Libya’s eastern-based government warned Wednesday it may declare force majeure on oil fields and ports under its control.
The move follows what it calls repeated “assaults” on the Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation (NOC), sparking concerns over fresh disruptions in the country’s fragile energy sector.
Though not internationally recognised, the Benghazi-based administration wields influence over much of Libya’s oil infrastructure, backed by eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar.
Officials said they are considering relocating the NOC’s headquarters to eastern-controlled Ras Lanuf or Brega for security reasons.
The NOC, under the internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), denied any attack occurred at its Tripoli offices.
In a statement, the NOC dismissed the claims as “completely false,” asserting that operations continue uninterrupted.
NOC acting head Hussain Safar described the incident as “a limited personal dispute” swiftly contained by internal security without harming staff or workflows.
GNU media released footage from within the NOC premises, showing calm and no signs of unrest or forced entry.
Libya’s oil industry, the lifeline of its economy, has suffered repeated halts since the country split into rival governments after the 2011 uprising.
In August, political tensions over the central bank led to shutdowns cutting oil production by over half—some 700,000 barrels per day.
Exports were frozen at multiple ports for over a month, only resuming gradually in early October.
Despite this volatility, Libya’s oil output rebounded, reaching 1.3 million barrels per day in the past 24 hours, according to the NOC.
As political rifts deepen, fears mount that Libya’s most valuable asset may once again fall hostage to division.