The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced that Al-Sara oilfield’s output in Ajakhara district has dropped to 50.000 barrels per day (pbd) over local protests and a dispute with the German Oil Company - Wintershall.
The Chairman of the NOC, Mustafa Sanallah said Thursday in a statement that he was deeply concerned to hear that Wintershall had decided to stop production operations without discussing the step with the NOC.
He remarked that Libya could lose about 3 million dollars a day over the procedure.
“We are clear at the NOC, we don’t give any concessions to the individuals or parties behind the shutdown of oil facilities. Discussions over the support for the local residents in the district of Ajakhara can be held later after the production is restored.” Sanallah indicated.
He also explained that investigations are underway for those who were the direct causes for the shutdown of oil production and the investigation details will be sent to the Attorney General's Office, adding that they are aware of the efforts to involve other districts and municipalities in the protests and the shutdown of the oil production, but they refused as it could lead to more destruction in the country.
Earlier on Wednesday, protesters in Ajakhara shut down oil production in Al-Sara oilfield and accused the NOC of ignoring their demands, which were merely development and jobs in the district.
