The new head of Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC), Farhat Bengdara, designated by the government, announced lifting force majeure on all fields and oil ports.

In a press conference in Benghazi, Bengdara said, "The National Oil Corporation announces the cancellation of force majeure and the complete cessation of the closure of all Libyan fields and ports, from today, July 15."

Libya's Government of National Unity on Thursday announced it had decided to replace the chairman of the NOC, but the previous leadership said the transfer of power was conducted at gunpoint.

Protests disrupt oil production in Libya, worsening Russia supply problems

The NOC announced in April the suspension of operations at the large El Sharara and El Fil fields.

In April, oil prices rose for the fourth session in a row as Libya sees production disruptions, adding to the market dilemma due to Western sanctions on Russian exports. 

According to Bloomberg, the Sharara field in western Libya closed down after protesters mobilized at the site, demanding that the Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, resign. El Feel oil deposit has also been closed down for the same reason.

Force majeure was also in effect from April to July 13 in the Brega and Zueitina oil ports.

Libya’s largest oilfield resumes operations after 2 months of shutdown

Libya’s largest oilfield, El Sharara, has resumed its operations after two months of shutdown, a Libyan source close to the matter confirmed to Sputnik on June 5.

According to Libyan media, the shutdown was caused by protesters that had entered the NOC facilities and demanded that the head of the interim Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, transfer power to the recently elected head of the new Libyan cabinet, Fathi Bashagha.