The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the resumption of oil production at the nation’s biggest oilfields located in the Western region – the Sharara, and El Feel fields.

This comes after a halt in production for 142 days in the country with the largest oil reserve in Africa, due to the blockade of major oil pipelines since January, which has resulted in losses of about $5.3 billion.

Mustafa Sanalla, Chairman of the NOC, was quoted saying, “NOC will start crude oil export operations as soon as possible. I also confirm that crude is now reaching Zawiya refinery, which will resume its operations to produce fuel for domestic use. This will reduce pressure on the budget allocated to import fuel.”

According to the NOC, oil production at Sharara resumed, “after lengthy negotiations by the NOC to reopen the Hamada valve, which had been illegally closed last January.” No detail of the terms of the negotiation was made public by the NOC.

The Chairman also thanked workers of the corporation for their dedication and commitment throughout the period of the blockade and their willingness to carry out the necessary maintenance works and restart production as soon as possible.

The first production phase at El Feel field is expected to start at a capacity of 12,000 barrels per day. Production at the field is expected to return to full working capacity within 14 days due to the extent of the damage already caused.

Meanwhile, production at Sharara is reportedly expected to start at a capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, and return to the full capacity of 300,000 barrels per day within 90 days.

The United States embassy in Libya, reacting to the announcement by the NOC, said, “Now is the time for all responsible parties to reject attempts to militarize the energy sector and subjugate critical infrastructure to foreign interests.”