# Libyan oil production disruptions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/libyan-oil-production-disruptions
> Updated: 2026-09-21T14:40:51.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Libya’s oil production has faced significant disruptions due to actions taken by security forces and armed groups seeking administrative or control changes. Initially, the Petroleum Facilities Guard closed a valve on the Hamada-Zawiya crude-loading pipeline, causing a complete halt in production at the Hamada and Tahara oilfields and a pumping station. The Guard demanded that their agency be transferred from the Ministry of Defense to the National Oil Corporation (NOC) for financial and administrative control.

Following these events, production at the Sharara oil field has seen a major decline. An armed group closed valve number 7 on a pipeline managed by Akakus Oil Operations, which transports crude from the southwest to the Zawiya export terminal. This closure has caused increased pressure within the pipeline and forced production at the Sharara field to drop to approximately 127,000 barrels per day, down from its typical capacity of roughly 340,000 barrels per day.

The NOC has warned that if these shutdowns continue, it may be forced to declare force majeure to exempt contracting parties from penalties. These interruptions pose a devastating blow to the national economy, which relies on oil for approximately 90 percent of its revenue. Furthermore, the disruption threatens the operation of the Zawiya refinery, potentially increasing Libya’s necessity to import refined fuels.

## Claims

- An armed group closed valve number 7 on the crude oil pipeline from the Sharara field. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The closure caused increased pressure in the pipeline and a significant drop in production at the Sharara field. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Sharara field has a daily production capacity of approximately 340,000 barrels. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The NOC may be forced to declare force majeure if the closure continues. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Oil exports fund approximately 90 percent of Libya's general budget. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The closure could lead to the shutdown of the Zawiya oil refinery. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A previous illegal closure of a valve occurred at the Hamada al-Hamra field, which produces 700 barrels daily. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Technical teams have been unable to reach valves 6 and 7 for maintenance or reopening. (single source)
- Sharara oil field production fell to approximately 127,000 barrels per day. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Sharara oil field production drops after pipeline valve closure

Libya's Sharara oil field production has dropped significantly after an armed group closed a key pipeline valve, prompting the National Oil Corporation to warn of a potential force majeure declaration.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/libyas-sharara-oil-field-production-drops-after-pipeline-valve-closure

### 2026-09-15: Libya oil production halts as security guards demand administrative changes

Libya's National Oil Corporation may declare force majeure after the Petroleum Facilities Guard halted production at the Hamada and Tahara oilfields to demand administrative control.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/libya-oil-production-halts-following-pipeline-disruption

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Cite as: Libyan oil production disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/libyan-oil-production-disruptions