Libya’s Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced that four export terminals are being reopened after “eastern factions” handed over the ports according to Reuters.
Force majeure has been lifted on the ports of Ras Lanuf, Es Sider, Zueitina and Hariga, the NOC declared in a statement.
“Production and export operations will return to normal levels within the next few hours,” it said.
The ports were shut in June due to a struggle for control between rival groups. As a consequence, Libya’s national output was reduced by around 850,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Ras Lanuf and Es Sider were closed after armed opponents of eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar launched attacks on them on June 14th.
The attack was defeated a week later, but eastern officials aligned with Haftar blocked operations at both terminals, in addition to Zueitina and Hariga, stating they would handle exports via a rival NOC based in the east.
However, yesterday, the NOC commended Haftar’s Libyan National Army for “putting the national interest first” by handing back the ports.
The head of the rival NOC, Faraj Said, confirmed the ports would be reopening, although he told the Reuters news agency that Ras Lanuf and Es Sider, needed maintenance work after being damaged in the fighting.
“The ports of Zueitina and Hariga are now open for any tankers carrying a contract. Ras Lanuf and Es Sider need some maintenance,” he said.
