The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its concern regarding the recent shutdown in oil production at Marsa Al-Hariqa port and indications that other shutdowns may be imminent.
"The uninterrupted production of oil as well as maintaining the independence and impartiality of the NOC remains a vital cornerstone to the economic, social and political stability of Libya." UNSMIL said in a statement on Thursday.
It added that it is incumbent on all parties to ensure that the NOC remains an independent, technocratic, well-resourced institution and to ensure the transparent and equitable management of resources, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum's (LPDF) roadmap, to combat corruption.
"This is of critical importance for the Government that is requested to improve the delivery of basic services to the Libyan people. Libya is only now emerging from a very costly conflict, and there are multiple urgent needs that need to be addressed to improve the quality of life of Libyans throughout the country." UNSMIL indicated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Libyan National Oil Corporation, Mustafa Sanallah, said oil production plummeted to one million barrels per day due to debts of national firms which are unable to operate due to technical issues and delayed liquidation of budget.
Sanallah added in a meeting with the Minister of Oil Mohammed Oun on Thursday that the Libyan oil sector can produce over two million barrels per day in the near future but the delayed budget and other necessary operational requirements hindered it, thus some firms had to shut down production.
