Libya oil shutdown fuels expanding protests and power crisis

On 26 July 2026 the Libyan National Oil Corporation halted production at the Milita industrial complex, fully shut the Elephant field and partially curtailed the Wafaa field. The loss of gas and fuel forced several power‑generating units offline, producing widespread electricity outages that crippled water‑well operations, transport and public services. Authorities warned of a domino effect across vital sectors and signalled the possible use of force‑majeure to protect remaining infrastructure.

The next day, 27 July, protesters across Tripoli and western Libya erected roadblocks, shut government offices and the state telecom operator, and staged a sit‑in at the West Tripoli power station. Led by groups such as Souk Al‑Jumaa and the Tajoura Families and Youth Movement, demonstrators called for the dissolution of the Government of National Unity and other state bodies, citing blackouts of up to ten hours per day. The General Electricity Company reinstated load‑shedding, while the government offered no response.

On 28 July the unrest intensified. Daily anti‑government rallies spread to Misrata and other western cities, now targeting Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s administration over prolonged power cuts, water shortages and soaring unemployment. Protesters disrupted natural‑gas supplies at the Melitah plant and forced a temporary 50 % cut in output at the El‑Feel oil complex, which normally produces about 90,000 bpd. Violent clashes erupted as demonstrators stormed ministries, seized key road arteries and faced security forces, with some local armed groups joining the protests. National Oil Corporation President Masoud Suleiman announced that operations were being restored, but the political and economic crisis remains unresolved.