Placeholder while article actions loadBEIRUT — Libya’s oil production has almost completely halted because of a political stalemate, officials told media, during a time of heightened global concerns over the supply of crude. It also comes at a time when Europe is desperately seeking alternatives to Russian energy from sources in Africa and the Mediterranean. The blockade of oil facilities is driven by a political rivalry between two main factions in the country over control of Libya’s government. Groups of protesters closed two major oil fields in April, halving the country’s output to 600,000 barrels a day at the time, according to Bloomberg. “It is notable that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries working alongside Hifter’s forces since 2019 have long held influence” in some oil facilities since 2020, Gomati said.

Source: Libya Today June 15, 2022 15:18 UTC