Protests originating in the Fezzan region of southern Libya have led to the complete shutdown of production at the Sharara oilfield, according to two engineers who spoke with Reuters on Wednesday. The Sharara oilfield, a significant contributor to Libya’s oil production with a capacity of up to 300,000 barrels per day, is now offline due to these local demonstrations.
A video circulated on the internet displayed protesters from the Fezzan region announcing the closure of the Sharara field until their demands are met. Libya’s National Oil Company (NOC) has not provided an immediate response to this development.
Earlier reports had indicated a partial reduction in production at the field, with protesters gathering at the oilfield’s gate to assert their demands. One protester conveyed to Reuters via phone that the Fezzan region urgently requires infrastructure development, including a fuel supply refinery, improved roads, medical facilities, and employment opportunities for the youth.
The Sharara oilfield, located in Libya’s southeast Murzuq basin, has frequently been a target for local and broader political protests. It operates under the oversight of state oil firm NOC, managed by the Acacus company, and involves collaboration with international partners such as Spain’s Repsol (REP.MC), France’s Total (TTEF.PA), Austria’s OMV (OMVV.VI), and Norway’s Equinor (EQNR.OL).
This incident follows a similar disruption in July when tribal protesters halted production at the Sharara, Elfeel, and 108 fields due to the abduction of a former finance minister.
Libya’s oil production has been marred by instability and disruptions since the NATO-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
