- Libya resumed oil production at the Mabruk field after a 10-year halt, starting at 5,000 barrels per day and planning to reach 25,000 by July 2025.
- The restart supports Libya’s efforts to revitalise its oil industry, crucial to the economy, as oil accounts for over 90% of the country’s exports.
- Security and infrastructure challenges remain, but the NOC aims to boost overall oil production to 2 million barrels per day in the coming years.
Libya restarted oil production at the Mabruk field after a ten-year halt caused by conflict. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) resumed operations in March 2025, starting with an output of 5,000 barrels per day. It plans to increase production to 25,000 barrels per day by July 2025.
The Mabruk field once played a significant role in Libya’s oil industry before conflicts forced its shutdown in 2015. This reopening supports the government’s efforts to revive the oil sector, crucial to Libya’s economy. Oil drives over 90% of Libya’s exports, making it essential for national revenue.
Years of internal conflict slashed Libya’s oil output. With Mabruk back online, Libya aims to regain market share and boost production capacity. Though starting with a modest output, the NOC intends to raise production levels steadily over the coming months.
This restart signals a key moment for Libya’s recovery plans. Oil revenues fund the national budget and infrastructure projects. The production resumption also aims to reassure foreign investors, highlighting Libya’s commitment to stabilising its oil sector despite lingering challenges.
The NOC intends to expand production across other regional fields, targeting an overall output of 2 million barrels per day in the next few years. Reaching this goal would significantly enhance Libya’s economic position. However, these plans rely on the country’s ability to maintain security and political stability.
Libya faces considerable challenges as it seeks to rebuild its oil infrastructure. Conflicts heavily damaged many oil facilities, requiring significant upgrades. The NOC plans to invest in these projects, but security concerns and funding shortfalls could slow progress.
Security concerns pose another major challenge. While forces have secured the Mabruk area, other oil-producing regions remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. Libya’s government must bolster security to protect oil assets and ensure continuous production.
The restart of Mabruk marks progress, but Libya’s oil sector still requires time and effort to return to full capacity. Political instability and infrastructure issues continue to obstruct swift recovery. However, reopening Mabruk provides hope for Libya’s economic stabilisation.
As Libya moves forward in its efforts to strengthen the oil industry, addressing the challenges of infrastructure repair, security threats, and financial constraints will be crucial. Successfully managing these issues could lead to a stronger, more resilient oil sector.