The Libyan Ministry of Oil warned late Friday that "the closure of Libyan oil fields could lead to a declaration of force majeure" following the shutdown of three oil fields in protest against the kidnapping of a former finance minister. The ministry stated in a statement that "the closure of the fields will severely damage the marketing of Libyan oil and will undermine efforts to stabilize production and export." The ministry called on all parties to "not allow their disputes to affect energy production and exports."
The Sharara field is one of the largest oil-producing fields in Libya, with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day, and has been a constant target for local protesters for various political reasons. Sanousi Al-Haleq, a leader of the "Zway" tribe, told Reuters that "the closure of the Elephant field aims to pressure the authorities in Tripoli to release Bumatari, who was kidnapped upon his arrival at Mitiga Airport on Tuesday." The tribe stated in a written statement that "Bumatari is a candidate for the position of governor of the central bank," adding that "this makes him vulnerable to danger and kidnapping."
