The Libyan National Army (LNA) rejected Friday the accusation of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) that the military hinders oil production.
Mostafa Sanalla, head of the NOC, said the LNA presence at oil facilities has impeded operation, but the LNA described his statement as “false,” emphasizing its own efforts to increase oil exports to 1.2 million barrels per day.
The LNA Western Region Operations Room said the LNA has increased oil production in Libya after former chief of the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) Ibrahim Jadran and the Chadian opposition caused the loss of 450,000 barrels at the ports of Sidra and Ras Lanuf.
On Thursday, the NOC expressed its concern over an increased military presence at the Ras Lanuf oil terminal, which could result in the withdrawal of NOC personnel from the port for their safety.
“The group has taken over a building within the terminal and is converting it for military use. In addition, forces have attempted to fuel a warship, appropriated meals designated for staff, and seized 31 dormitories allocated to Harouge Oil Operations (HOO) employees, the NOC subsidiary operating the port,” the NOC said.
Sanalla stated that the NOC cannot accept any misuse of Libyan oil facilities.
“The presence of forces inside the terminal represents an unacceptable risk to employees. This renders the terminal a potential military target, thereby risking the destruction of Libyan oil infrastructure – and the resulting economic crisis that would follow,” he added.
