Libya's high stakes
Freeing NOC of political interference is essential if the country and its oil sector are to prosper in 2018
In 2018, after years of trying, political opportunists will finally succeed in capturing the National Oil Corporation (NOC). Investment and oil production will plunge, the Libyan economy will collapse, and the political chaos and increasing criminalisation we have seen in Libya over the past few years will seem trivial compared with the human catastrophe that will unfold. That's the nightmare scenario—and it is not far-fetched. Both 2016 and 2017 demonstrated one fact clearly: all Libyans depend on NOC's oil production, but some are trying to grab a larger piece of the pie for themselves. Libya's oil sector faces the general challenge of operating in a divided political environment and an un
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
