Libya Power Protests Disrupt Energy Production

Protesters in Tripoli and surrounding areas have launched a campaign of civil disobedience, blockading public buildings and energy facilities to protest daily electricity outages lasting up to 10 hours. The unrest, which intensified on July 28, 2026, follows a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 48 degrees Celsius, exposing the fragility of Libya’s national power grid.

The demonstrations escalated on Tuesday when protesters stormed the Mellitah oil and gas complex. The action forced Oil Corporation to halt operations at the El Feel oilfield and partially suspend the Wafa field. This disruption constrained gas supplies essential for power generation, leading to further electricity unit failures across the country.

Libya’s energy crisis stems from decades of infrastructure neglect and the failure to complete major strategic projects, such as the West Tripoli and Gulf steam power stations. While the Government of National Unity has regained control of the Mellitah complex, the sector remains hampered by a lack of maintenance and an annual demand increase of approximately 600 megawatts. International observers, including U.S. officials, continue to cite the need for political unification to address the systemic collapse of basic services in the divided nation.