Sustaining oil output in post-Gaddafi Libya has always been a challenge. Periodic shutdowns of oil facilities have at times sent production to rock-bottom levels, wreaking havoc on the country’s finances.

Many Libya observers have long been anticipating General Khalifa Haftar’s Tripoli offensive to hit output, but despite minor incidents the oil sector has escaped relatively unscathed – until now. (CONTINUED - 1320 WORDS)