The Chairman of the Libyan National Oil Corporation, Mustafa Sanallah, disclosed Wednesday that Libya’s oil production had dropped to 523 thousand barrels per day (bpd), expecting the output to recover and hit 600 thousand bpd again on Thursday.

In a press statement, Sanallah said the reason behind the shrinking production was the stoppage of work in Al-Dafa and Samah oilfields, which are run by Al-Waha Oil Company.

“Electric faults caused the drop of the oil output in addition to the explosion that took place in the control room at Al-Lahib oilfield that is run by Sirte Oil Company.” Sanallah added, pointing out that the issues in Al-Dafa and Samah oilfields have been resolved and investigation is underway to know the reasons behind the explosion in Al-Lahib.

“Production could rise gradually starting from today or Thursday.” Sanallah indicated.

The NOC previously said that a blast happened in the control room of the Al-Lahib oilfield of Sirte Oil and Gas Company late on Tuesday causing second degree burns for one of the workers at the room plus the destruction of the room’s wall.

The NOC also pointed out that the control electronic system remained intact of the explosion fire, adding that it was an electric fault and not a vandalism act.