Libya is aiming to restart operations at the Ras Lanuf oil refinery within the next year as the country moves to revive critical energy infrastructure and strengthen domestic fuel production, according to the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The planned restart forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate Libya’s oil sector after years of conflict and operational disruptions, as reported by Reuters.
The Ras Lanuf refinery, one of Libya’s largest refining facilities, has remained largely inactive for years due to damage, instability, and maintenance challenges. Officials say rehabilitation work is now being prioritised to restore refining capacity, reduce reliance on imported fuel products, and improve the value generated from Libya’s crude oil exports.
Libya holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves and remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons for state revenue and foreign exchange earnings. The country has been seeking to stabilise oil production and attract investment into upstream and downstream energy infrastructure despite continuing political divisions and security concerns.
Analysts say restarting Ras Lanuf could significantly improve Libya’s domestic energy supply chain while strengthening export potential for refined petroleum products. However, they caution that long-term success will depend on sustained political stability, infrastructure investment, and continued security around key oil facilities.
