NOC: Calls to shutdown oil production risk escalating national crisis

The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) said in a statement  on Thursday that it is concerned by recent calls for the shutdown of national oil production.

“This crucial source of income to the state, vital to all Libyans, must remain de-politicised and uninterrupted to ensure that basic fundamental services are financed and continue to be provided to citizens across the country.” The NOC said.

It added that any deliberate disruption of oil sector operations will severely impact national revenue streams, potentially render NOC in contravention of contractual obligations, and create further division in the country.

“Admissions of attempts to export oil illegally, in contravention of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, should be called out and condemned.” The statement reads.

NOC said these attempts deter further investment in the oil sector and jeopardize Libya’s future.

“NOC continues to call for economic transparency – including the equitable distribution of oil revenues nationally – to be embraced by all parties as an integral element of Libya’s future stability, and any lasting political settlement.”

On Friday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tobruk Aquila Saleh told a TV Channel that their “armed forces” (meaning Haftar’s forces) might shut down oil production and exports, claiming its revenues are being given to the “militias and terrorists in Tripoli.”