Protesters across western Libya, including Tripoli, Zawiya, and Misrata, have intensified demonstrations against prolonged power outages by seizing control of the Mellitah Oil & Gas complex, a crucial energy facility located about 90 kilometers west of Tripoli.
The Mellitah complex plays a vital role in supplying gas to power plants and exports around 30 million Standard Cubic Meters of gas daily to Italy via a subsea pipeline, according to international contractor Bonatti.
Impact of the Shutdown
The takeover led to the closure of gas lines fueling local power stations, forcing several generators offline and threatening a widespread blackout. The National Oil Corporation confirmed the disruption caused severe fuel shortages critical for electricity production.
The workers’ union at Mellitah condemned the protesters’ actions, highlighting the technical and safety risks posed to staff and the facility. They called for enhanced security and legal action against the perpetrators.
Government Response
The Government of Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, stated that the defense ministry has regained control of the complex, secured personnel, and resumed gas flow. This has allowed a gradual restoration of electricity and stabilization of the national grid.
Libya’s ongoing instability stems from divisions following the 2011 overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi. The country remains split between rival administrations in the west and east, backed by competing militias and foreign interests. Dbeibah’s government operates from Tripoli, while Osama Hammad leads the eastern administration under military figure Khalifa Hifter.
