TRIPOLI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Monday announced lifting the state of force majeure on Sharara oil field, the largest in the country.
"NOC announces the lifting of force majeure at the Sharara oil field following the removal of the armed group responsible for its blockade and production loss of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars," NOC said in a statement.
The Corporation decided to lift the state of force majeure in the field after the eastern-based army controlling the field pledged to expel gunmen from the field and implement additional security measures, the statement said.
"NOC has received assurances that site security has been restored, verified by our own inspection team, enabling staff to return to work. This costly episode highlights the importance of NOC remaining independent and free from extortion and armed incursion," said NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla.
"Never again should an armed group be allowed to threaten NOC workers and hold the country to ransom. A safe and secure working environment is imperative to allow the oil to flow for the benefit of all Libyans," added Sanalla.
NOC also confirmed resuming production in the field, as well as carrying out maintenance to field.
In December last year, the NOC declared force majeure in Sharara oil field, following forced closure of the field by an armed group.
The eastern-based Libyan army announced earlier in February taking over the oil field, which is located some 900 km south of the capital Tripoli and has the capability of producing over 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
