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Libya and Yemen security update
The National Oil Company (NOC) of Libya has stated that it plans to open more ports during Ramadhan and increase Libya’s output to some 600,000 b/d, according to the latest security update from MAST. Many terminals and oil fields have been closed following strikes by local workers and tribal militias demanding jobs and better pay.
The El Sharara and El Feel oil fields, based in the Marziq Basin in Southern Libya, are to start pumping and the western ports of Zawiya and next door Mellitah are planned to open. Zwitina oil terminal in the Gulf of Sidre is also planned to open. All the oil terminals appear to be safe distance away from the main areas of ISIS control, notes MAST. El Sidre and Ras Lanuf oil terminals appear to be remaining closed.
Gerry Northwood OBE, COO of MAST, says: ‘Whether the NOC will be able to achieve their aspiration of increasing oil production is highly dependent on the success of ongoing peace talks underway [in mid-June]. The UN and international community are keen to establish a unity government and there are many Libyan factions who would like to achieve a settlement. Should the talks prove successful, we believe the political and business landscape in Libya will develop very quickly indeed.’Meanwhile, the fighting in Yemen continues with Saudi attacks on Houti positions in Sanaa and the province of Mahweet. Although peace talks are being held in Geneva, neither party seems willing to negotiate or even sit at the same table.
Northwood comments: ‘It is likely that conflict will continue and Yemeni ports will remain hazardous places for commercial shipping operations.'
News Item details
Journal title: Petroleum Review
Organisation: Libya National Oil Corporation
Subjects: Marine transportation, Oil and gas extraction, Energy security, Oil supply
