Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the restart of the Mabruk oil field in central Libya, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to raise crude output to 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2026.
Production at Mabruk, which had been offline for more than a decade due to security incidents, has resumed at between 25,000 and 30,000 bpd using an early production unit, the NOC said. Authorities plan to combine output from Mabruk and the nearby Al-Jurf field to reach roughly 40,000 bpd.
The field was first shut down in 2015 after armed attackers damaged key infrastructure, causing estimated losses of US$575 million. Production briefly restarted in March 2025 at 5,000 bpd, but the current phase aims to stabilize output at a higher, sustainable level.
“This restart demonstrates Libya’s commitment to restoring national energy production and securing long-term oil revenues,” a NOC spokesperson said.
Series of Recent Restarts
Mabruk’s revival is part of a wider recovery in Libya’s oil sector. On February 9, the Al-Sarir refinery, operated by Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO), returned to full capacity following maintenance on its distillation unit. Weeks later, the Sinawen field, which had been offline for over three years, resumed production after technical upgrades.
Analysts say these resumptions reflect Libya’s strategy to increase output while attracting foreign investment to an industry battered by conflict and underinvestment.
Ambitious National Targets
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Libya currently produces approximately 1.375 million bpd, according to the oil and gas minister. The government aims to increase output to 1.6 million bpd by the end of 2026, relying on infrastructure rehabilitation and foreign investment. The increase would make Libya a more influential player in global crude markets at a time of tight supply.
A key driver is a 25-year development agreement signed in January 2026 with French energy major TotalEnergies and US company ConocoPhillips. The deal covers concessions operated by Waha Oil Company, a subsidiary of NOC, and involves planned investments exceeding $20 billion. Officials estimate production from these concessions could rise to 850,000 bpd from the current 340,000–400,000 bpd.
“The agreement is central to achieving our 1.6 million bpd target and strengthening Libya’s fiscal position,” the oil minister said, emphasizing the importance of foreign expertise in restoring production.
Economic and Regional Impact
Libya’s oil sector remains the backbone of the economy, accounting for most government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Analysts note that restoring fields such as Mabruk and Al-Jurf could improve fiscal stability, support infrastructure projects, and bolster energy exports.
However, challenges remain. Security risks, aging infrastructure, and logistical constraints continue to threaten production continuity. NOC has said that rehabilitation efforts combined with international partnerships are essential to ensure safe and predictable output.
The Mabruk restart, together with the recent reactivation of Sinawen and Al-Sarir, positions Libya to meet domestic energy needs while boosting exports. If targets are achieved, the country could contribute an additional 225,000 bpd to the global market, supporting supply amid fluctuating oil prices.
For Libya, Mabruk’s resumption underscores both the potential and fragility of its oil sector, demonstrating the importance of foreign investment and infrastructure modernization in achieving long-term production goals.
