Mellitah Industrial Complex resumes operations after protest-induced stoppage

The General Electricity Company of Libya GECOL also confirmed the return to normal electricity generation activity, having previously warned of a potential total blackout. The complex's shutdown was due to protesters entering the facility to express grievances against Libya's ongoing power cuts, an issue that has led to demonstrations and blockades across western Libya and Tripoli. Mellitah Oil and Gas, along with the Government of National Unity and the National Oil Corporation, worked to restore operations, ensuring the complex is again receiving oil and gas and supplying major consumers.

Earlier, GECOL had reported that groups shut down gas pipelines supplying power generation plants, threatening a grid collapse. The Tripoli-based Libyan government, through Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, issued directives to secure the complex and protect power infrastructure, emphasizing that oil, gas, and electricity facilities are sovereign assets. The National Oil Corporation NOC expressed grave concern over the disruption, which halted production at the El Feel field and partially shut down the Wafa field, causing a severe shortage of gas and fuel for power plants.

The NOC warned of widespread blackouts and significant losses, appealing to authorities to secure the complex and enable technical teams to resume operations. GECOL later announced