Libya's oil output drops amid closures

Libya’s crude oil output dropped to between 100,000 and 200,000 barrels per day due to the closure of ports as a result of protests, the country’s oil ministry announced yesterday.

The ministry said in a statement that the “almost complete closure of the oil facilities actually occurred when the production and export closures were announced.”

“Only the offshore Hamada and Wafa oil fields remained operational, and their total production ranges between 100,000 and 200,000 barrels per day,” the statement added.

Since 17 April, Libya’s oil fields and ports have been shut by tribal groups demanding the Prime Minister of the UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, hand over power to the government of Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed by the eartern House of Representatives in March. Dbeibeh has refused to hand over power except to an elected government.

Before the closures, Libya’s oil output amounted to 1.2-1.4 million bpd.

Libya holds Africa’s largest crude reserves, but 11 years of conflict in the country since the 2011 ouster of ruler Muammar Gaddafi has paralysed production and exports.

Libya: Oil output collapses after wave of closures