Libyan exports defy growing unrest

摘要

Crude exports from Libya are rising despite growing political violence in its two largest cities,Tripoli and Benghazi.Libya exported 240,000 b/d in July,up from 165,000 b/d in June,vessel data show(see graph,left). Shipments of light sweet Esharara crude resumed from the Zawia terminal in July for the first time since February.A protest affecting the 340,000 b/d El Sharara field,which produces the grade,ended on 8 July,allowing the field to restart.El Sharara is operated by a joint venture led by Libya’s state-owned NOC and Spain’s Repsol.Repsol took a 700,000 bl Esharara cargo for its 240,000 b/d Bilbao refinery in July and will load another 600,000 bl cargo on 5 August.