National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared force majeure on crude oil loadings at Zawiya port; commencing on Monday 16 July, 2018. This is a result of reduced production at Sharara following the recent attack and kidnap of four Akakus company employees (two were subsequently released).


NOC has shut down and evacuated stations 186, 115B and IR. Field production is limited to 125,000 bpd – enough to meet the requirements of the Zawiya Refinery, but leaving no excess crude for export. NOC chairman Eng. Mustafa Sanalla commented: “Employee safety is always our first priority. This incident required us to shutdown and evacuate a number of stations. We have to prioritize local demand for fuel. For the time being all Sharara production will go to the refinery.”

About the National Oil Corporation

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) was established on 12 November 1970 , under Law No: 24/1970, replacing the general Libyan Petroleum Corporation which established under Law No. 13 of 1968 to assume the responsibility of the oil sector operations . It was later reorganized under decision No :10/1979 by the General Secretariat of the General People's Congress, to undertake the realization of the objectives of the development plan in the areas of petroleum , supporting the national economy through increasing , developing and exploiting the oil reserves and operating and investing in those reserves , to realize optimum returns. In carrying out its activities, NOC may enter into participation agreements with other companies and corporations carrying out similar activities.