Libyan Protesters Infiltrate Energy Hub Amid Power Outrage

WHO:

AP News - Protesters in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata, and other locations across western Libya.

AP News - Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the Government of Unity.

AP News - Osama Hammad, head of the administration in eastern Libya.

AP News - Khalifa Hifter, powerful military commander in eastern Libya.

AP News - General Electricity Company, responsible for electricity supply in Libya.

AP News - National Oil Corporation, involved in gas and fuel supply.

WHAT:

AP News - Protesters stormed the Mellitah Oil & Gas complex and closed gas lines.

AP News - The Mellitah complex sends 30 million Standard Cubic Meters of gas to Italy daily.

AP News - The closure of gas lines disrupted operations and caused a severe shortage of gas and fuel supplies.

ABC News - Officials warned that the storming of the complex could trigger a nationwide power blackout.

AP News - The workers union condemned the closure, citing serious technical and operational risks.

WHERE:

AP News - Mellitah Oil & Gas complex, located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Tripoli, Libya.

ABC News - Protests occurring in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata, and other locations across western Libya.

WHY:

AP News - Protests are driven by ongoing power outages and demands for better electrical services.

ABC News - Protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

HOW:

AP News - Protesters stormed the energy complex and closed gas lines used to operate power plants.

AP News - The Government of Unity stated that the defense ministry secured the Mellitah complex, allowing for the resumption of gas supplies.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 17:30 UTC)

Protesters have stormed the Mellitah Oil & Gas complex in western Libya, closing gas lines that supply 30 million Standard Cubic Meters of gas to Italy daily, leading to significant disruptions in operations and a potential nationwide power blackout. The protests, which are occurring in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata, and other locations, are fueled by ongoing power outages and demands for improved electrical services, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. In response, the Government of Unity has stated that the defense ministry has secured the Mellitah complex, allowing for the resumption of gas supplies.