Libya Roundup: Oil and gas, resignations, border reopening, combat drones

CALGARY, CANADA - September 19, 2023 : Mohammed Oun, Libya Oil and Gas Minister, speaks during a Ministerial Round Table: Is the World on Track to Reach Net-Zero Emissions on Time on the third day of the 24th World Petroleum Congress at the BMO Center, Stampede Park, on September 18, 2023, in Calgary, Canada. Over 5,000 delegates from 100+ countries have gathered in Calgary for the 24th World Petroleum Congress, where global oil and gas leaders convene under the theme 'Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero.' The conference focuses on decarbonization efforts, taking into account the region's challenges, including record-breaking temperatures and wildfire haze. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE

Source: X07413

Border reopening

The Ras Jedir border crossing between Tunisia and Libya has reopened after being closed for three months. "Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri and his Libyan counterpart Emad al-Tarabelsi supervised the reopening of the Ras Jedir crossing point to travelers," said a statement released by the Tunisian Interior Ministry. Both parties stressed the long-standing bilateral relations between Tunisia and Libya, Xinhua news reports.

Oil and gas cooperations

Libyan official Belgassem Haftar met with the Russian ambassador to discuss cooperation in oil and gas extraction and restoring energy and railway infrastructure. Russian and Chinese companies are competing for contracts in reconstruction projects in eastern and southern Libya. Haftar's son is leading these projects. According to Agenzia Nova, a memorandum of understanding was signed with a Chinese company for strategic projects in Benghazi, including the renovation of the Benina International Airport and the development of the Al Marissa Free Zone. Haftar defended the choice of companies for reconstruction projects, citing transparency and quality.

Libyan oil well erupts

An oil well in Libya's Atshan field erupted out of control, halting all operations. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that the well, identified as C3/1, began bubbling uncontrollably, leading to a critical situation. Ammon reports that the NOC's emergency response teams managed to regain control within 24 hours, stabilising the well and allowing for the eventual resumption of operations. This incident highlighted the corporation's capability to manage and mitigate unforeseen challenges in the oil extraction industry.

Combat drones seized

Italian authorities seized two combat drones disguised as wind turbines in containers en route from China to Libya. The drones, similar to the US-made MQ-9 Reaper, were bound for Libyan General Khalifa Haftar and likely violate a UN weapons embargo on Libya. The drones were likely supplied by the United Arab Emirates and have been used in previous attacks in Libya, Business Insider Africa reports.

Libyan Oil Minister steps down

Libyan Oil Minister Mohamed Oun has temporarily stepped down, leaving Khalifa Abdulsadek as acting oil minister. Energy Intelligence reports that the leadership of Libya's oil sector remains in flux, with two governments vying for legitimacy. State National Oil Corp. (NOC) is producing around 1.2 million barrels per day of oil. There is confusion over whether services giant SLB will exit Libya due to lack of payment. Additionally, NOC has denied any involvement in a reported deal to swap Libyan oil for Chinese-made drones.

Wonder Hagan