Clashes between rival factions in the east of Libya have forced the government to declare force majeure for its two biggest oil terminals.
The country’s National Oil Corporation in Tripoli said on Sunday that oil flowing into ports of Es-Sider and Ras Lanuf would be gradually shut down and that a minimum number of staff would stay on site.
The two ports produce more than 300,000 barrels of oil a day.
Troops of Libya’s internationally-recognized government have been involved in clashes with militants who are advancing towards the oil-rich eastern parts.
On Saturday, the Libyan air force conduced airstrikes on militant positions near the two oil ports, said Saqer al-Joroushi, a Libyan air force commander.
Libya has been sliding deeper into crisis over the past months, with two rival governments and parliaments wrangling over power.
Libya’s government and elected parliament moved to Tobruk after an armed group from Misrata seized Tripoli and most government institutions in August.
The new Tripoli rulers have set up a rival parliament and government not recognized by the international community.
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms. The groups are now turning their guns on each other.
