(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
The Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) stopped oil production of two oilfields after the Libyan unity Government (GNA) did not pay for the security of the oilfields, said Mohammad Ahmad Alkhbasha, a brigade commander on Tuesday.
Alkhbasha said the PFG in the south closed the Gulf fields and Al-Wafa field, which typically produce about 30,000 barrels a day of light oil condensate.
Mellitah port, which receives its supply of gas from Al-Wafa, exports to Italy in collaboration with ENI an Italian oil company.
“There are about six oilfields under our guards’ control and we have stopped the pumping of crude oil from Gulf and Alwafa oilfields,” said Alkhbasha. “But gas will be continued from Al Wafa normally.”
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has not confirmed the oilfield closures yet.
The PFG in the south control Al Wafa, Gulf, Al-Khamsa, El-feel, El-Sharara, and Senawang oilfields, in addition to wells and pipelines. El Feel and El Sharara were already closed before this incident.
On Monday, NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla said GNA budget delays have reduced oil production by 200,000 barrels a day which is worth millions of dollars.
The GNA has been working since March to resume oil production that was halted after the country fell into chaos following the 2011 uprising.
Last month, the PFG came to an agreement with the GNA to reopen two of Libya’s main oil ports that could result in an increase of 150,000 barrels a day according to the NOC. However, the ports have yet to be reopened.
