Libya - only the brave

Libyan oil-output growth will eventually need the return of foreign firms

The capture of the country's four central oil ports by the army of general Khalifa Hafter in September has seen oil production almost double, and brought the subsequent re-opening of abandoned fields by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) in the Sirte basin. It has also created a mass of opportunities for repair and maintenance work. But a bonanza it isn't-not yet, anyway. Foreign companies wanting to deploy to Libya face hefty political and security hurdles. Until the political turmoil dies down, only the brave will venture forth into a country where energy installations lie within striking distance of Islamic State (IS) and remain a potential battleground between Libya's rival armed faction