Libya’s NOC has refused to reopen the 315,000 b/d El Sharara field, forcibly shut-in since 9 December. This comes despite a 19 December agreement PM Fayez Sarraj struck with the group responsible for the closure to restart output in exchange for more investment in basic facilities in the impoverished south.
NOC chief Mustafa Sanalla whilst leaving the door open for talks said “force majeure would not be lifted at the field until alternative security arrangements were in place.” Mr Sarraj and Mr Sanalla have been engaged in a political-tug-of-war with Mr Sarraj’s Tripoli-based government promising $717mn in development for the south and the NOC sending over a hundred trucks full of fuel to the region to garner support. (CONTINUED - 208 WORDS)