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
![](/images/white-fade.png)
Also in this section
26 July 2024
Oil majors play it safe amid unfavourable terms in latest oil and gas licensing bid rounds allowing Chinese low-ball moves
25 July 2024
Despite huge efforts by India’s government to accelerate crude production, India’s dependency shows no sign of easing
24 July 2024
Diesel and jet fuel supplies face a timebomb in just four years, and even gasoline may not be immune
23 July 2024
Rosneft’s Arctic megaproject is happening despite sanctions, a lack of foreign investment and OPEC+ restrictions. But it will take a long time for its colossal potential to be realised