Libya Restarts Crude Shipments to Nigeria, Egypt and Tunisia

Libya has resumed crude oil exports to several African neighbours as regional markets seek alternative supplies amid broader uncertainties in global energy flows. In May 2026 Nigeria imported about 64,500 barrels per day of Libyan crude—the first recorded import since tracking began in 2013. Egypt restarted purchases, taking roughly 57,000 barrels per day in February and an additional 33,000 barrels per day in April, marking its first imports since 2019. Tunisia's imports rose to about 19,000 barrels per day in March before falling to around 10,000 barrels per day in May. Libya’s overall oil output stands near 1.4 million barrels per day, but total exports slipped 11 percent in May to roughly 1.07 million barrels per day, the lowest since October 2024, partly due to a fire at infrastructure linked to the Sharara field. Italy remains the largest buyer, importing about 348,000 barrels per day, with Greece, Spain and Turkey also among the top customers.

These developments reflect a regional push to diversify energy sources and enhance security of supply, positioning Libya to expand its role in African and international oil markets despite recent operational setbacks.