Libyan barrels’ return may be temporary
Production could ramp up quickly, but the countdown is already ticking on another round of shutdowns
Libya’s oil production has nearly tripled since the end of an oil port blockade. But the country’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has in effect jumped the gun by re-opening ports and fields, despite the failure of all sides to agree a deal hammered out by US diplomats. In the absence of a deal, the shutdown may return by 18 October. Khalifa Haftar, head of the powerful eastern Libyan National Army, ordered the blockade in January. He declared it over in mid-September after signing an agreement with Ahmed Maiteeq, deputy prime minister of Tripoli’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). But GNA prime minister Fayez-al-Sarraj and most of his cabinet have refused to sign

Also in this section
24 July 2025
The reaction to proposed sanctions on Russian oil buyers has been muted, suggesting trader fatigue with Trump’s frequent bold and erratic threats
24 July 2025
Trump energy policies and changing consumer trends to upend oil supply and demand
24 July 2025
Despite significant crude projections over the next five years, Latin America’s largest economy could be forced to start importing unless action is taken
23 July 2025
The country’s energy minister explains in an exclusive interview how the country is taking a pragmatic and far-sighted approach to energy security and why he has great confidence in its oil sector