<article><p class="lead">Security forces have threatened to disrupt crude exports from Libya's largest oil field within two weeks if their pay demands are not met. </p><p>A branch of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) posted at the 300,000 b/d El Sharara field issued the ultimatum yesterday after claiming that their field allowance compensation, which usually tops up wages, has been interrupted. It is not uncommon for Libyan oil workers to threaten field and port operations during pay disputes. Although state-owned oil firm NOC and the finance ministry have often settled these in the past, a row over pay did result in the <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2186991">Marsa el-Hariga terminal</a> in eastern Libya being closed for around three weeks earlier this year. </p><p>El Sharara is operated by Akakus Oil, a joint venture between NOC, Spain's Repsol, Austria's OMV, Norway's Equinor and Total. The field was producing near capacity at 280,000 b/d on 14 March, according to an internal Akakus Oil document seen by <i>Argus</i>. It is due to export just under 250,000 b/d from the Zawia terminal this month, according to preliminary loading data. </p><p class="bylines">By Ruxandra Iordache</p></article>
