Protests at Libya's Mellitah complex cut gas lines and disrupted power and oil output.
Why it matters: The shutdown could worsen electricity shortages in Tripoli and nearby areas and strain the grid further. It also threatens oil and gas flows from one of Libya's key energy hubs.
- Protesters entered the Mellitah Oil & Gas complex on July 28, about 90 km west of Tripoli, AP reported.
- Libya's state electricity company warned the shutdown could trigger a complete blackout in multiple areas.
- The National Oil Corporation said production stopped at the El Feel oilfield and was partially halted at the Wafa field.
- Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah ordered security forces to retake the complex and restart gas pumping.
Protesters disrupted Libya's Mellitah Oil & Gas complex on July 28, cutting gas lines that feed power plants, according to the General Electricity Company of Libya and AP. The complex is about 90 km west of Tripoli.
The state utility warned the shutdown could "cause a complete blackout in multiple areas and ultimately a collapse of the electricity network," AP reported. The risk comes as Tripoli and nearby areas have already been dealing with long daily outages.
The disruption also hit oil production. The National Oil Corporation said output stopped at the El Feel oilfield and was partially halted at the Wafa field after people entered the Mellitah facility. Reuters reported that El Feel normally produces 80,000-90,000 barrels per day.
Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah ordered security forces to retake the complex, reopen the gas lines and restart pumping to power plants, according to a Tripoli government statement quoted by Investing.com. The National reported protests also spread across Tripoli neighborhoods and nearby cities including Zawiya and Misrata, where demonstrators blocked roads, shut institutions and gathered near power infrastructure.
By the numbers
- 90 km - Distance west of Tripoli to the Mellitah complex, as reported by AP.
- 80,000-90,000 barrels per day - Reuters-reported normal output for the El Feel oilfield.
Yes, but: The wider impact depends on how quickly authorities can secure the complex and restore gas flows to power plants.
What's next: Authorities are moving to retake the complex and restart pumping, according to the Tripoli government statement.