Farhat Bengdara, newly appointed NOC chairman
Gunpoint exit for Libya’s Sanalla
A figure from the Gaddafi era has replaced the NOC’s top man. Initial consequences have been positive for output, but uncertainty and risks remain
Libya’s oil industry has been rocked by fresh turbulence after armed groups stormed the headquarters of state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) to enforce the sacking of its chairman Mustafa Sanalla. Sanalla, in post since 2014, was fired by one of Libya’s two rival administrations, the Government of National Unity (GNU). Libya’s parliament, which is based in the east of the country and controls a rival government, has denounced his replacement as unconstitutional. Tensions between Sanalla and the GNU have been simmering for months. The GNU is internationally recognised but was installed last year as a temporary government to oversee elections in December. When those elections were cancel
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
