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
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
