The state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya's UN-backed government on Friday said that the country's daily oil production dropped from over 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 120,000 bpd.
"Oil and gas productions in Libya have been consistently down as a result of the illegal blockade of ports and pipelines. Today the current levels of production are 120,568 barrels per day," NOC said in a statement.
"Forced restriction of production has resulted in financial losses exceeding 2 billion U.S. dollars since Jan. 17, 2020," the statement added.
The corporation also expressed deep concern over potential fuel shortage in the next few weeks, as a result of loss of oil production, closure of a local oil refinery, and lack of sufficient import budgets.
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 the capital Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and topple the UN-backed government.
Editor:Cherie
