Libya's NOC declares state of alert amid Hurricane strike

Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared a state of maximum alert and advised its affiliated oil companies to halt operations due to heavy flooding caused by Hurricane Daniel.

PHOTO: Oil pump against the flag of Libya. Getty Images

So far, the hurricane has affected the eastern region of Benghazi and Jabal Akhdar in Libya the most, the NOC stated in its advisory.

Companies operating at Libyan ports under the NOC's affiliation have been asked to ensure the occupational safety of all workers and equipment during the hurricane.

Ports need to curtail movement around oil sites and monitor all ship movements, to ensure no major damage is caused.“Companies affiliated with the Corporation must stop flights between fields, provided that drilling operations, well maintenance, etc. are to a minimum, and stop them if necessary,” NOC added.

The state-corporation has urged oil companies to implement measures to safeguard oil infrastructures, such as production lines and storage units, which are vulnerable to damages from floods and drifts.

The NOC further asked the oil firms to “work with the minimum number of workers and not leave them until the end of the weather storm.”

Meanwhile, four major ports in Libya - Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, Brega, and Es Sidra – closed operation on Saturday evening for three days now, Reuters reported.

Crude oil production in Libya stood at 1.20 million b/d on Saturday, according to NOC.

Earlier this year, Libya’s El Sharara and El Feel oil fields had to shut down production after the country’s ex-finance minister Faraj Boumtari was detained.  

Libya’s oilfields, known for holding Africa’s largest crude reserves, have been subjected to persistent threats due to various geographical and political factors. Since the ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has experienced years of conflict and violence, which have significantly impacted the stability and security of its oil industry.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online