Demonstrators in the south of Tunisia have blocked an oil pipeline as they called for more investment in the marginalised region, AFP news agency reports quoting the energy ministry.

Hundreds stormed the El-Kamour production facility, south of Tataouine two weeks after setting up a protest camp near the site, AFP says.

The blocked pipeline carries more than 50% of the country’s extracted oil.

"There is a real problem of development in Tataouine," Hamed Matri, an advisor at the energy ministry is quoted as saying.

In 2017, the government promised to put more money into boosting the fortunes of the region, but protesters say that this has not been honoured, AFP reports.

Officials are now speaking to the demonstrators to try and end the pipeline blockage, it adds.