Oil minister Mohamed Oun has been doing his best to oust NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla in recent months
Political row threatens Libya’s oil recovery
Tug-of-war to steer Africa’s largest oil reserves risks stalling the country’s recent upstream progress
A political power struggle for control of Libya’s oil industry has thrown it into crisis just as booming production and a civil war ceasefire had begun restoring investor confidence. The dispute is between oil minister Mohamed Oun and National Oil Corporation (NOC) chairman Mustafa Sanalla, with the minister demanding Sanalla’s suspension and the chairman refusing to go. The roots of the conflict began in March, when the Government of National Unity (GNU) took office—replacing rival, warring administrations in Tripoli and Tobruk. GNU prime minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh revived the post of oil minister and appointed Oun, Libya’s former Opec representative. Libya has not had an oil ministry for
Also in this section
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
20 January 2026
As the global energy system undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, the need for credible leadership, practical solutions and inclusive dialogue has never been greater. In 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will stand at the centre of this conversation as host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.
20 January 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress on 26-30 April 2026. The Ministry of Energy spoke with Petroleum Economist about the key messages and opportunities for the global energy community.
19 January 2026
Newfound optimism is emerging that a dormant exploration frontier could become a strategic energy play and—whisper it quietly—Europe’s next offshore opportunity
