Conflict threatens Libyan oil sector’s long-term stability

Civil war endangers the state-owned oil company’s ability to maintain crude production and threatens the collapse of the entire sector

The polarising conflict that has left a trail of bombed out buildings, civilian casualties, and broken trust across Tripoli and western Libya since April shows no sign of letting up.  Forces under the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar keep trying to push forward along frontlines south of the capital while forces opposed to the LNA’s assault, operating under the umbrella of the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), keep pushing back.  Both sides are heavily reliant on foreign support, particularly arms, ammunition and drones, to maintain their operations. But attempts to curtail foreign interference have failed to gain traction, suggesting th