Libyan operations give production boost to OMV

Austrian energy company OMV said Monday its quarterly production was boosted by the resumption of operations in war-torn Libya.

"Production levels in the third quarter of 2014 increased by 5 percent versus the second quarter as production in Libya partially resumed," the company said in its report.

In its report for the second quarter, OMV said much of its Libyan assets were shut in by violence and the security situation there remained difficult.

OMV's statement follows a condemnation of the latest violence from the governments of France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Libya's hard fought freedom is at risk if Libyan and international terrorist groups are allowed to use Libya as a safe haven," their Saturday statement read.

Forces loyal to former Gen. Khalifa Haftar last week tried to reclaim the restive city of Benghazi from Islamist militias. At least 12 people died as a result of the violence.

In its latest monthly market report, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said production from member state Libya in September was around 800,000 barrels per day, about two-thirds its normal production levels.