TRIPOLI, Aug. 6 -- Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Tuesday announced a reduction in output at the Al-Sharara oilfield, the largest in the country, due to sit-ins.

"The National Oil Corporation announces the start of a partial reduction in production in the Al-Sharara oilfield due to force majeure conditions resulting from the sit-ins of the Fezzan Movement," NOC said in a statement.

"The Corporation calls on the concerned parties to take into account the national interest and support the Corporation's efforts aimed at stabilizing and increasing (oil) production," the statement added.

The statement did not mention the reason for the movement's sit-ins.

The Libyan government on Sunday condemned the attempts to disrupt oil production in the oilfield, saying it would take "all necessary procedures to protect the interests of the people."

The Al-Sharara oilfield is located some 900 km south of the capital Tripoli. It has the capacity to produce over 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

Oil and gas represent a major source of Libya's revenue. However, the sector has suffered over the past years from armed conflict, as well as field and port closures.

  - Xinhua