Libya offers to replace Russian oil under sanctions
24 November 11:33
For the first time since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, the internationally recognized government of Libya is holding a tender for the sale of licenses to develop oil and gas fields. In Washington, Libyan officials are seeking U.S. support, offering, in particular, to replace Russian oil on the world market. They also hope that the arrival of international companies will undermine the position of General Khalifa Haftar, who controls part of the country and is supported by Moscow, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing the Financial Times.
A delegation from Tripoli arrived in Washington to draw attention to the first tender in 18 years. Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, Eni, and Repsol have already pre-registered to submit applications. Exxon Mobil, which signed an agreement in August to explore a gas field on the Libyan shelf, is also planning to participate. With the energy transition slower than expected, international companies are looking for new reserves and returning to proven, well-known regions, a senior energy banker told the Financial Times.
The Libyan government believes that the return of Western oil companies could strengthen Tripoli’s influence and stabilize the situation, and Libyan oil could replace Russian oil, Libyan officials said.
“The US and Western countries are trying to prevent Russia from selling its oil and energy resources. This will lead to a shortage in the market, and Libya can become an alternative,” said Ibrahim Sahed, a member of Libya’s Supreme State Council who visited Washington.
Most of Libya’s fields are located in the east of the country, which is controlled by Haftar and his army. The Russian Ministry of Defense is trying to cooperate with him, actively establishing ties through its African Corps, which replaced the Wagner PMC. Haftar himself came to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin in 2023 and in May 2025.
Russia uses its ties with Haftar’s group, among other things, to smuggle oil products to Europe.
In Washington, the Libyan delegation tried to convince American officials that the country could become a major supplier of oil and gas and that Tripoli needs US help to oust Russia from Libya and unite the country and its economy, the FT writes.
