Conflict cripples Libya's oil sector
The latest battle for Libya’s key oil ports—the fourth in as many years—leaves vital infrastructure destroyed and the country’s production recovery in jeopardy
Fighting began on 14 June when warlord Ibrahim Jathran led his grandly named but poorly equipped militia, the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), in an attack that seized Es Sider, Libya's largest export terminal, and nearby Ras Lanuf, its largest refinery. Jathran's militia were originally formed to guard the ports, which take exports from the Sirte Basin, home to two-thirds of Libya's production. But from 2013, they blockaded the terminals demanding huge payments. The blockade ended in September 2016 when Khalifa Hafter's Libya National Army (LNA) seized them, opening them for business. Since that capture, Libya's oil production has jumped from 220,000 barrels a day to hit 1m b/d in June las
Also in this section
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
