Libya declares force majeure for two biggest oil ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf

Reuters
A view of the anchorage at the Es Sider export terminal in Ras Lanuf, west of Benghazi March 11, 2014. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya has declared force majeure for the country's two biggest oil exports ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, the Tripoli-based state National Oil Corp (NOC) said on Sunday. Oil production flowing to the two eastern ports would be gradually shut down, NOC said in a statement, blaming clashes nearby between armed factions allied to Libya's two rival governments. Only a minimum oil staff would stay on site. Force majeure is a legal waiver for contractual obligations.