Libya’s oil production has decreased by more than half this week, raising concerns about a potential global market shortfall of nearly one million barrels per day. This significant reduction comes as oil fields across the country have scaled back operations amidst a dispute over the appointment of the Central Bank Governor, according to Bloomberg News.

Production has fallen by approximately 450,000 barrels per day since authorities in eastern Libya ordered a halt to production on Monday, sources familiar with the matter have reported. Prior to this order, Libya was producing one million barrels per day, with the majority of oil fields located in the eastern region of the country.

The decision to suspend production and exports entirely is a response to a move by the internationally recognized government in the west to replace the Central Bank Governor, Sadek El-Kabir. El-Kabir, who has allies in the eastern Libyan government, has refused to step down from the critical position that manages billions of dollars in oil revenue between the two competing administrations.