TRIPOLI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday said that the suspension of oil exports because of the closure of oil fields and ports has caused losses of more than three billion U.S. dollars so far.
"Oil and gas production in Libya has been consistently down. The current levels of production are 97,508 barrels a day, as of Wednesday March 11, 2020. Forced restriction of production has resulted in financial losses exceeding 3,086,823,264 USD since January 17, 2020," NOC said in a statement.
The NOC expressed concern regarding possible fuel shortage in the coming days due to forced reduction of local production, shutdown of local refineries, and lack of funding to import sufficient fuel for local consumption.
"We call on those responsible for the closure to immediately lift the imposed blockade and spare oil sector workers and citizens from more suffering. We call on the rest of the state's bodies to maintain the remaining reserves and reduce their expenses as well," the statement said.
Tribal leaders in eastern Libya in January closed oil ports and fields, accusing the UN-backed government of using oil revenues to support armed groups against the eastern-based army.
The eastern-based army has been leading a military campaign since April 2019 in and around capital Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government.
