An uncontrolled blowout at an oil well in Libya’s Atshan oil field has caused a complete halt to all operations, according to government sources. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that ongoing drilling and testing operations, conducted by the Fayad Barqen 1 rig, recorded a blowout at well C3/1, leading to the loss of control over the well.
The blowout at the Atshan field resulted in the suspension of all operations and the complete shutdown of the drilling rig. However, the NOC later confirmed that its teams managed to regain control of the well, operated by Zallaf Libya for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, within less than 24 hours.
Days ago, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) denied what it described as unsubstantiated information reported by the “Sunday Times” about the NOC’s involvement in the supply of military equipment intercepted in Italy.
The NOC emphasised that “all its operations, alongside its international oil company partners, are subject to review and audit by regulatory bodies such as the Libyan Audit Bureau and the Administrative Control Authority,” according to a statement published on the NOC’s Facebook page today.
The corporation expressed its astonishment at the “attempts to tarnish its work and reputation and drag its name into such media reports. It assertied that it reserves the right to respond and take necessary legal action inside and outside Libya against local and international media entities that publish and circulate unverified news.
Earlier, the Italian Customs Police and the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency announced the seizure of two Chinese-made military drones headed for Libya. These drones were hidden inside a container of wind turbine equipment.
Foreign media outlets, including the “Sunday Times,” reported that Italian authorities seized three containers carrying drones at the Italian port of Gioia Tauro, which were intended to be shipped to Libya.
The “Sunday Times” cited a source claiming that some individuals close to Haftar arranged for a Chinese company to mediate the deal, which allegedly also involved the National Oil Corporation.
In another context, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya announced last month that it has transferred $7.62 billion to the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) over the first five months of 2024. This substantial sum, generated from oil exports, underscores the vital role of the oil sector in sustaining Libya’s economy.
The transfers were executed through 11 separate transactions between January and May.
