Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Friday, November 7, 2014
Libya’s El Sharara oil field was seized by gunmen, bringing production from one of the country’s largest fields to a halt. Reports from the site are unclear but do say that the gunmen began looting equipment and shooting at the workers. The field is operated by Spain’s Repsol.
The shut in at the El Sharara is just one more hit for Libya’s petroleum sector. Between protesters and battles between various militia groups and the government, the country’s oil sector is closing in on the precipice of chaos.
At maximum capacity the El Sharara produces about 340,000 bpd and while the field was producing at less than capacity its closure will have an impact on domestic supplies as the field feeds the Zawiya refinery.
Adding to the troubles in Libya is a ruling by its Supreme Court that brands the country’s internationally recognized parliament as unconstitutional. The court’s decision comes one day after the seizure of the El Sharara field.
The North African country has been spiraling out of control for some time and it seems likely that all out civil war will be the next step as Libya’s two rival governments and parliaments struggle for control.
" alt="World Heading for 3-degree C Warming Trajectory, as Political Headwinds Slow the Energy Transition">
" alt="VAALCO Energy Publishes its 2023 Sustainability Report">
" alt="Sound Energy Gets Extra Time on Morocco’s Anoual Exploration Permits">
" alt="Exxonmobil and NBA Africa Launch Jr. National Basketball Association League in Mozambique">
" alt="Africa Finance Corp Invests $14.1 Million in Developing Xlinks’ Morocco-UK Power Project">
" alt="Aminex Bags New Funding Facility">
" alt="BW Energy Announces $150 Million Sale & Leaseback of Mabomo Production Facility">
" alt="Chevron Acquires 80% and Operator Status of Namibia’s Offshore PEL 82">
