Tripoli:Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that individuals have shut a valve on the Hamada-Zawiya crude oil pipeline, which plays a crucial role in transporting crude from the Hamada and al-Tahara oil fields in the country's west.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the NOC reported that the individuals responsible entered the crude oil reception station operated by Arabian Gulf Oil Company, located near the Zawiya refinery, and closed the isolation valve on the pipeline. The identities of these individuals have not been disclosed.

The NOC warned that the continued closure of the valve could result in significant losses in crude oil production, thereby negatively impacting the country's oil revenues. It emphasized the importance of keeping oil facilities free from any interference that might disrupt operational activities.

The corporation has called upon relevant authorities to intervene immediately to reopen the valve and secure the site. The statement, however, did not specify the identities of those responsible for the closure. It is noted that oil facility guards have been protesting for higher wages, which has affected several sectors.

Previously, in September, the NOC reported that a group of guards had illegally shut a valve on the main Hamada-Zawiya oil loading pipeline. During the same period, armed members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard closed a crude oil transport valve at the Sharara oil field, leading to a decline in production and losses amounting to $95 million. Libya's economy heavily depends on oil exports, which constitute about 90% of its public budget.