stubborn obstacle

Libya’s political deadlock poses biggest threat to crude production

By Hatem Maher

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Posted on December 1, 2022 10:46

© A view shows the Zueitina oil terminal, after oil exports resume in Zueitina, west of Benghazi, Libya October 4, 2020. Picture taken October 4, 2020. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori — A view shows the Zueitina oil terminal, after oil exports resume in Zueitina, west of Benghazi, Libya October 4, 2020. Picture taken October 4, 2020. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

Despite a perpetual political gridlock, Libya recently increased its crude oil production, which reached 1.163m barrels per day (bpd) in October – the highest in Africa. However, the hope that the nation can take full advantage of Europe’s desperate need for energy, amid the current crisis brought on by the Russia-Ukraine war, might be far-fetched….

The increase allayed lingering concerns in the West after several months of a shocking blockade that almost brought production to a standstill. This is after militias allied to one of the rival camps had besieged oil installations, demanding a share of revenues.

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