Libyan protesters have closed a pipeline that could suspend production in the country's largest oil field, a move that will exacerbate Libya's oil supply disruption before an international conference urging Libya to end the civil war.

People familiar with the matter revealed that the demonstrators closed the valves of the Hamada pipeline north of the Sharara oil field, and the suspension of Hamada or the 300,000 barrels per day field was gradually closed.

According to a statement from the Libyan National Oil Company, Libyan oil production has fallen by about 800,000 barrels per day from 1.17 million barrels a day since eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar blocked export activities at ports he controlled. Libya's announcement of force majeure will allow Libya to legally terminate its oil delivery contract. Libya has Africa's largest proven oil reserves.

Haftar is preparing to participate in an international conference hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and will face pressure to reach a civil war ceasefire agreement. Haftar's army has surrounded Tripoli, the Libyan capital, and so far he has refused to stop the offense and reach a compromise.