OMM Redaksiyası
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has warned that attacks on, or actions undermining, the country’s oil and energy infrastructure could lead to measures under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
In a statement posted on “X”, UNSMIL said the continued disruption of the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline was adversely affecting Libya’s main source of national income, resulting in significant losses in oil production and public revenue.
The mission said a prolonged interruption could also affect fuel supplies, electricity generation and other essential services used by people across Libya. It warned that the disruption would increase the need for fuel imports and place additional pressure on public finances.
UN calls for protection of oil facilities
While recognising workers’ right to peacefully voice legitimate socio-economic demands, UNSMIL called on all parties to protect oil and energy facilities and ensure that technical and operational staff can safely access and maintain them.
Oil and energy infrastructure, along with public resources, must remain protected from political and security disputes, the mission said. Such disputes should be addressed through peaceful means and infrastructure should be preserved in the interests of all Libyans.
UNSMIL specifically recalled that attacks against, or actions undermining, Libya’s oil and energy infrastructure may constitute grounds for measures under relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2213, adopted in 2015.
The resolution allows sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against individuals or entities whose actions threaten Libya’s peace and stability. This includes attacks on state institutions and oil facilities.
Pipeline closures threaten production
The mission urged the relevant authorities and security actors to act urgently to resolve disputes peacefully, restore the flow of crude oil and safeguard operations at the Zawiya refinery and related facilities.
The warning followed a statement by Libya’s National Oil Corporation on Monday that an armed group had shut Valve No. 7 on the crude pipeline linking the Sharara field to Zawiya Port, sharply reducing output at the country’s largest oil field.
Located in the Murzuq Desert about 800 kilometres south of Tripoli, Sharara has a production capacity of approximately 340,000 barrels per day. The NOC said a prolonged closure could halt production at the field, disrupt oil transport and exports, damage state revenues, affect operations at the Zawiya refinery and raise fuel import costs. It also warned that it could declare force majeure if the disruption continued.
On September 15, members of Libya’s Petroleum Facilities Guard shut the main Hamada-Zawiya pipeline, suspending production and operations at three oil sites. The NOC said extended closures would harm the national economy and threaten the state’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
The Hamada field is located in the Hamada al-Hamra area of the Ghadames Basin in western Libya, about 400 kilometres south of Tripoli. It is considered one of western Libya’s key oil and natural gas fields and produces around 700 barrels per day.
The disruptions have occurred amid protests by Petroleum Facilities Guard members over financial and employment demands. The guards have carried out a series of closures to pressure the authorities to meet their demands.
