طرابلس – بزنس ريبورت الإخباري|| The Sharara oil field in Libya is facing escalating financial losses due to the continued closure of the crude oil pipeline leading to the Zawia port. Data from the National Oil Corporation (NOC) indicates that total losses have reached 942,376 barrels over five consecutive days since the crisis began.
Mounting Financial and Production Deficits
According to statistics obtained by Washington-based Energy Platform on Saturday, September 26, 2026, the total financial loss resulting from halted production and flows has hit $95 million within this five-day period. The data reveals varying daily losses at the Sharara field since the closure started.
The highest loss level was recorded on September 22 at 259,349 barrels, before declining gradually in the following days according to official figures. This occurs while the repercussions of closing Valve No. 7 in the Hamada area persist, with technical teams unable to reach valve sites.
Daily Breakdown of Lost Volumes
Official published data shows the field lost 129,085 barrels on September 21, rising to 259,349 barrels the next day. Subsequent days saw losses of 235,983 barrels on September 23, 237,937 barrels on September 24, and 222,014 barrels on September 25.
The cumulative total for these five days stands at 942,376 barrels, with financial losses approaching $95 million. These figures reflect the value of crude that could not be produced or transported during the shutdown, based on NOC data up to September 25.
Impact on National Infrastructure and Revenue
The continuation of Sharara outside normal operating levels places direct pressure on crude movements toward the Zawia port. There is also a risk of impact spreading to refining, export operations, and general state revenues if the closure persists.
As Libya’s largest oil field, Sharara’s production capacity recently ranged between 300,000 and 340,000 barrels per day. In August alone, the field pumped approximately 335,000 barrels daily, highlighting its critical role in the national system.
Any prolonged stoppage has clear implications for supplies, exports, and public revenue. The NOC warns that continued line closures could halt production, transport, and exports, increasing economic damage.
Broader Systemic Risks and Force Majeure
The Sharara crisis coincides with the partial closure of the Zawia oil complex, where workers cannot replace night shifts. The main refinery gate remains closed, disrupting regular refining and local supply chains dependent on steady crude inflows.
The NOC emphasizes that keeping Sharara offline exacerbates pressure on the oil system, especially if other vital facilities in western Libya remain shut. The corporation is considering declaring force majeure if valve closure continues and flows are not restored soon.
Security authorities are urged to protect installations and ensure worker safety to guarantee operational integrity and prevent further systemic collapse.
This story was produced in the newsroom from the disclosed sources named above.
