The Libyan government has launched a diplomatic and economic offensive to bring international energy giants back to its oil and gas sector. On Monday,
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh met with a high-level delegation from Shell in Tripoli to finalize mechanisms for the British company’s return to the country. The meeting follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January between Shell and the National Oil Corporation (NOC), focusing on reviving exploration and development programs that were stalled by years of political instability.
The Shell delegation, led by Executive Vice President Richard Howe, discussed concrete steps to improve the efficiency of existing oil fields and accelerate new business development. For Libya, the return of “Supermajors” like Shell is a critical pillar of its broader strategy to modernize crumbling infrastructure and restore global investor confidence. By offering new facilities and a “clear vision” for growth, the Tripoli-based government aims to stabilize the nation’s primary revenue source and strengthen its competitive edge in the global energy market.
Prime Minister Dbeibeh emphasized that these partnerships are essential for both technical expertise and financial stability. As of March 4, 2026, Libya is pushing to maintain production levels above 1.2 million barrels per day, with a long-term goal of reaching 2 million. However, success hinges on maintaining the current fragile security balance, as any resurgence of internal conflict could once again threaten the “secure investment environment” the government is currently marketing to the West.
MK/AK/te/fss/abj/APA