Libya's Ras Lanuf terminal under force majeure: Sources

Libya's state-owned NOC has informed some customers of force majeure restrictions at the eastern Ras Lanuf crude export terminal, according to a trade and a shipping source.

One of the sources said the measure, which covers NOC for an inability to supply customers for circumstances outside its control, came into effect at the port today. An official force majeure notice has yet to be circulated to all clients, traders said.

NOC said on 27 June that blockades at Ras Lanuf and at the Es Sider port could push it to declare force majeure in the Gulf of Sirte region, which covers both terminals, effective within 72 hours. It is unclear if Es Sider had been placed under force majeure. Production at the Waha Oil company, which feeds into the Es Sider export grade, had been completely disrupted as of the start of this week.

NOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Export terminals Marsa el-Brega and Zueitina have been under force majeure since the second half of April because of protests. Demonstrators have threatened but are yet to implement closures at the Marsa el-Hariga port.

By Ruxandra Iordache