Libyan oil facilities shut down in pay dispute with guards

The Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG), tasked with securing oil fields and infrastructure, announced the closure on Sunday, citing an ongoing pay dispute with the Tripoli-based government.

The PFG demands a wage increase for its members and additional bonuses, claiming they should receive the same benefits as employees of the state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC). Frustration has been mounting within the ranks of the PFG for some time, culminating in a ten-day ultimatum issued on February 15th. This ultimatum warned the government of potential production stoppages if their demands were not met.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Libyan government has yet to comment on the PFG's actions. This silence only heightens anxieties within the international community, as Libya holds Africa's largest crude oil reserves. The disruption in production could have significant ramifications for the Libyan economy, which heavily relies on oil exports. Additionally, this shutdown could destabilize global oil markets, potentially impacting prices and supply chains.

This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation in Libya. The country has been grappling with instability and conflict since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Years of internal strife have significantly hampered oil production and exports, hindering economic recovery efforts. The PFG's decision to shut down production underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving stability and addressing the needs of various factions within the country.

It remains unclear how long the PFG will maintain the shutdown and whether the government will be willing to negotiate to resolve the dispute. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the Libyan people, the global oil market, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild the war-torn nation. (ILKHA)