Divided Libya to restart oil production after six-month shutdown

National Oil Company move could be a sign of progress in UN-led talks

The Libyan National Oil Company has announced the resumption of oil production and exports after a nearly six-month shutdown that has cost the country $6bn (4.7bn) in lost revenues and deepened the country's civil war.

The NOC has lifted force majeure on all oil exports from Libya," the company said in a statement, adding that production would take time to return to previous levels. A first ship was due to start loading crude from the oil port al-Sidra in the east of the country, the statement said.