Valve closure on Libya's El Sharara-to-Zawiya pipeline cuts production at major oil field

A valve closure on the El Sharara‑to‑Zawiya pipeline has halted output at the El Sharara field, which supplies roughly one‑third of Libya’s total oil production. The incident was reported early on Wednesday, and the blockage has immediately reduced the flow of crude from the western region to export terminals on the Mediterranean coast.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) said the interruption could force it to issue a force majeure notice if the pipeline cannot be reopened promptly, a step that would suspend contractual obligations to buyers. The NOC is coordinating with field operators to assess the cause of the valve failure and to restore service, while monitoring the impact on daily export volumes and revenue. A prolonged shutdown could affect global supply dynamics, given Libya’s role as a significant North African oil producer.