Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared a force majeure situation at the country's largest oilfield, Al-Sharara, due to a production shutdown initiated by protesters.

Last Wednesday, a group of protesters halted oil production at the Al-Sharara oilfield, demanding action on the fuel shortage in Libya's southern Fezzan region, among other grievances.

Fortunately, the shutdown of Al-Sharara has not affected operations at the nearby El Feel oilfield, as reported in the media.

The closure has had a significant impact on crude oil shipments to the port of Zawiya, located approximately 49 km (30.4 miles) west of Tripoli, according to NOC's statement.

NOC is currently engaged in negotiations to resume production as swiftly as possible, reflecting their commitment to resolving the situation.

In response to the crisis, the Minister of Local Governance of the Government of National Unity, Badr El Din Al-Toumi, convened a meeting with the mayors of southern Libyan municipalities to address the closure of Al-Sharara and the protesters' demands.

Al-Sharara has faced repeated shutdowns in recent years, both from protesters and armed groups, making it a strategic and sensitive site in Libya's oil industry.

This closure is raising concerns not only within Libya but also internationally, given the ongoing volatility in global oil markets. Libya's oil ministry has cautioned that if oilfields remain closed, international partners may consider exiting, potentially jeopardizing electricity generation and adding to the challenges facing the country.