By John Lee.
Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) is reported to be in negotiations with the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) to reopen Ras Lanuf and Es Sider oil ports.
The two ports have been closed since 2014, and have been attacked by forces loyal to the Islamic State group (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh).
Reuters quotes Mousa Alkoni, a member of the government’s presidential council, as saying:
“We are holding discussions with the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) of the central region ... After the discussions with the PFG are finished, the force majeure will be lifted.”
But he added that he doubted production would return soon to previous levels.
Bloomberg carries a statement from NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla:
“After the unification of NOC, the opening of the ports and the increase of production are absolutely our top priorities ... We have heard hopeful noises in recent days about the opening of the ports.”
(Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg)
