Libya's energy crisis fuels protests and political turmoil

Libya, a major oil producer of about 1.3 million barrels per day, is facing daily electricity blackouts that have lasted six to ten hours for millions of residents. The shortages have sparked widespread protests in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata and other coastal cities, with demonstrators demanding reliable power and the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Civil‑disobedience campaigns have targeted the Government of National Unity (GNU), the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the strategic Mellitah gas‑oil complex, accusing the state of exporting gas to Italy while locals remain without electricity.

In response, Egypt has increased electricity exports to Libya by about 100 MW, but the aid covers only a fraction of the deficit. The NOC says roughly 10 % of Libyan gas is contractually allocated to Italy’s ENI, while over 70 % supplies domestic power generation. Analysts note that the unrest reflects deeper political and governance failures, turning an energy blackout into a broader political and geopolitical crisis.