Libya oil exports plunge as protesters block terminals

August 01, 2013 | Politics & Social Unrest

Libyan oil exports have plunged by more than 70 percent after protesters forced the closure of shipping terminals, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said.

“Groups closed the ports of Ras Lanouf, Zueitina, Al-Sedra and Al-Hariga, forcing a drop in production to less than 30 percent” of normal levels, Zeidan told a press conference in the capital.

Oil Minister Abdelbari al-Aroussi said “Libya is exporting today only 330,000 barrels compared with the average of 1.42 million barrels a day.” He said the port at Zawiya is the only one still functioning.

Sedra and Ras Lanouf were shut down on Tuesday, with the loss of 600,000 barrels, while Al-Hariga and Zueitina were shut on Wednesday with another 350,000 barrels blocked.