Libya Protests Threaten to Halt Oil and Gas Exports

Anti-government protests in Libya have escalated over power cuts and high electricity bills, threatening to disrupt oil and gas supplies for both domestic and international markets.

The demonstrations began several days ago but reached a boiling point on Tuesday when protesters entered the Mellitah Oil and Gas complex, which handles natural gas exports to Italy via a pipeline.

The Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has been the target of the protests, with demonstrators blocking streets and roads out of Tripoli as a sign of protest against frequent power cuts and high electricity rates.

Protesters are reportedly trying to stop natural gas exports to Italy in an effort to pile economic pressure on the government and force its resignation.