Updated
Updated · Africanews English · Aug 19
UN Warns Libya Burns $1 Billion Monthly on Fuel as Power Crisis Sparks Protests
Updated
Updated · Africanews English · Aug 19

UN Warns Libya Burns $1 Billion Monthly on Fuel as Power Crisis Sparks Protests

3 articles · Updated · Africanews English · Aug 19

Summary

  • $1 billion a month in fuel imports has not prevented Libya’s electricity system from remaining exposed to shortages, UN envoy Hanna Tetteh told the Security Council, warning the power crisis is worsening.
  • Tetteh said alleged large-scale diversion of subsidized fuel in the electricity and security sectors is undermining essential services and adding strain to already fragile infrastructure.
  • Tripoli has already seen protests over the outages: more than 100 demonstrators dumped rubbish outside a Libyan oil company weeks earlier, demanding an end to prolonged blackouts.
  • The UN called for tighter oversight, coordination and accountability, saying those responsible for diverting subsidized fuel should be investigated and held to account.

Insights

With oil production at a 13-year high, who is truly profiting from Libya's hijacked energy infrastructure?
Why is a nation spending $1 billion monthly on fuel leaving its citizens in the dark during a deadly heatwave?