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Libya's Sharara Output Declines After Armed Group Shuts Pipeline Valve

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A Libyan armed group shut a valve on the crude pipeline linking the Sharara field to Zawiya, causing a significant production decline, the state-owned National Oil, or NOC, said Monday.

The NOC said it contacted the Southwest Petroleum Facilities Guard to restore access after the group closed valve seven. Technical teams cannot reach valves six and seven, according to the NOC.

A prolonged shutdown could halt Sharara output and disrupt crude transport and exports, raise operational risks, and potentially force the Zawiya refinery to stop. This could also increase reliance on fuel imports.

The NOC urged the group to reopen the pipeline and authorities to protect oil facilities, warning that a continued closure could force the company to declare force majeure.

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