Libya’s National Oil Company (NOC) has halted production at two key oil fields: Zouetina and al-Charara, after the closure of many other facilities due to demonstrations and political conflicts.

The blockades imposed on Monday come as Libya struggles to move on from the years of Muammar Gaddafi’s rule, which was deposed in 2011.

In February, the parliament in the country’s east nominated Fathi Bachagha as the country’s new prime minister. He has not, however, succeeded in deposing the present Tripoli executive, commanded by Abdelhamid Dbeibah, who refuses to relinquish power until elections are conducted.

Considered to be close to the eastern camp, the parties occupying the oil sites are seeking a “fair division” of income and Mr Bachagha’s executive authority.

The NOC expressed concern for “the start of a painful wave of closures” of oil facilities, “at a time when oil and gas prices are surging” on international markets as a result of Ukraine’s war.

After the “forced closure” on Sunday of the al-Fil field (south), employees working in facilities in Zouetina (east), Mellitah (north-west), al-Sarrir (east) and Al Khaleej (east) were “forced to stop production completely and gradually”, according to the company.

Production “at the Abu Al-Tifl (east), al-Intissar (east), al-Nakhla (east) fields” also ceased on Sunday, as did gas production at plants affiliated to these sites and at the port of Zouetina. “…a group of individuals forced their way in to force employees to stop operations,” the NOC said.