Suggestions of Partial Removal of Oil Blockade in East Libya

Libyan National Army (LNA) sources have suggested they may allow limited oil exports from Oil Crescent/Eastern terminals.

The decision has been taken due to a need to free up storage space, which would enable the production of fuel for power stations. The ongoing blockade had resulted in a build up of stored condensate, and to overall cuts in the production of gas used for power generation. East Libya has experienced repeated power cuts in recent weeks as a result of the inability to fuel power stations. 

Terminals which may now be able to export once again include As Sidr, Marsa El Brega, Marsa Al Hariga, Ras Lanuf and Zuetina. Marsa El Brega has already announced its readiness to receive tankers at the terminal.

Assessment

The removal of the blockade from the Oil Crescent/Eastern ports is an action the LNA has performed out of necessity, and in part to nullify increasing local anger in Eastern Libya at ongoing power cuts. That the removal of the blockade is localised and partial continues to signal that the LNA has no current intent to support a Libya-wide removal of the blockade.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has yet to respond to these claims. A degree of caution should be exercised as suspected resumptions of Libyan output have been stop/start in recent months.