Blockade of Libyan Oil Facilities Cripple Production

Oil blockades have been a familiar tactic in Libya’s chaotic, violent politics since the 2011 ousting of long-term ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

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Fresh face-off between two rival factions has disrupted production in oil-rich African state of Libya, sparking fears that prolonged hostility could trigger disruption in global crude supply chain.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation said the latest round of oilfield closures have caused the loss of about 63% of the country’s total oil production, as the conflict between rival eastern and western factions continues. Ibyan ports shipped 194,000 barrels in early September, down about 81% from just over one million bpd in the previous week, official data confirmed.

In July, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member produced about 1.18 million barrels of crude per day. The latest round of blockages could see output plunging to the lowest level since the end of the civil war in 2020.

Consulting firm Rapidan Energy computed output loss of between 900,000 and 1 million barrels in recent weeks in the country.