Anti-government protests in Libya escalated this week as demonstrators entered the Mellitah Oil and Gas complex, threatening to disrupt gas and fuel supplies for both domestic and international markets. The protests, primarily centered in the capital Tripoli, were sparked by severe power cuts and high electricity bills, with daily blackouts lasting up to 14 hours during a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 50 degrees Celsius, according to Euronews.
Key Details
Protesters have blocked major roads and state institutions, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's Government of National Unity (GNU). The Souq al-Jumaa Movement, which has been organizing protests since mid-2025, announced a civil disobedience campaign aimed at closing state institutions without disrupting citizens. Demonstrators have chanted slogans such as
The people want justice that punishes those who squander the people's money,
highlighting public frustration over the electricity crisis and government mismanagement.
Background
The protests have spread to the Mellitah Gas processing plant, where protesters aim to halt natural gas exports to Italy via a key pipeline. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) recently declared the Essar oil discovery commercially viable, marking a potential recovery for Libya's oil sector after years of civil conflict. However, any disruption in oil and gas activities could significantly impact Libya's hydrocarbon revival and the global energy market, which is already facing supply challenges from the Middle East, as noted by OilPrice.com.
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Disruptions to Libya's oil and gas supply could lead to increased volatility in global energy prices, particularly for crude oil and natural gas, as markets are sensitive to supply changes. Investors will watch for further developments in the protests and any potential government response to the escalating unrest.