Zawiya:Libya An armed group has reportedly closed a valve on the main crude oil pipeline that connects the western Hamada field to the Zawiya refinery, according to Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC). This closure could lead to a significant loss of 15,000 barrels of oil per day if it persists.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the NOC received a report indicating that the valve closure occurred in the Riyayna area. The affected 18-inch pipeline is crucial for supplying crude oil to the Zawiya refinery, serving both the Hamada and Tahara fields.

The sudden closure resulted in a sharp rise in operating pressure, prompting technical teams to halt pumping through the pipeline at 12.30 am (1030GMT Thursday) to prevent damage to the line and production facilities. Consequently, crude oil supplies from connected fields have been suspended.

The NOC has underscored the potential economic repercussions that could arise from the continued closure, emphasizing the threat it poses to oil facilities and the stability of crude supplies to the Zawiya refinery. The corporation has called on relevant authorities, especially the Petroleum Facilities Guard, to secure the pipeline, reopen the valve, and resume pumping operations promptly.

The recent incident is reminiscent of a previous closure on October 22, when an armed group shut a valve on the same pipeline. Additionally, on September 21, a similar incident occurred at the Sharara field, where armed members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard closed a crude oil valve, leading to a significant decline in production and $95 million in losses.

The NOC has condemned these actions and urged for measures to protect oil installations and transportation lines from attacks that threaten production stability and Libya's oil resources. The Petroleum Facilities Guard has been demanding higher salaries, reflecting similar protests across various sectors in Libya.