NOC: Only 10% of Eni’s share is actually exported in peak summer – contrary to widespread misconception

Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) issued a statement addressing public concerns over gas exports and recent severe power cuts. The NOC clarified that only about 10% of the Italian company Eni's share of gas is exported via the GreenStream Pipeline during peak summer periods, aiming to counter what it called "misconception peddled to agitate public sentiment."

Recent acute power cuts have sparked angry demonstrations across Libya. Protesters have blockaded roads and government buildings, and some stormed the Mellitah Gas Complex. These actions were reportedly in response to reports suggesting that reduced gas supplies to domestic power plants, due to exports to Italy, were a primary cause of the blackouts.

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The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has followed with grave concern the attack on the Mellitah Complex and the halting of gas supplies to end-users, most notably power generation plants, under the pretext of stopping gas exports. This action was driven by a misconception promoted by some parties, which fuelled public sentiment and spread inaccurate information regarding the agreements governing gas production and exports.

The NOC's statement emphasized its national responsibilities, explaining that the agreement with Eni involves allocating a specific percentage of total gas production to the Italian partner in return for their participation in developing gas fields. However, given the steadily rising domestic demand for gas, particularly during summer for power generation, the NOC has consistently purchased the majority of Eni's share.

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Consequently, the volumes continuing to flow to Italy via the GreenStream pipeline represent no more than 10% of the Italian partner's total share. These flows are maintained for purely operational and technical reasons related to the system's continuous operation and the pipeline's integrity; completely shutting down and restarting the line would entail significant technical challenges and high costs, alongside operational risks that could compromise the system's safety and stability.

This purchased gas is redirected to meet domestic market needs, ensuring a continuous supply to power plants and vital sectors. It also compensates for shortfalls from delays in developing certain gas fields. Consequently, the volumes flowing to Italy via the GreenStream pipeline represent a minimal amount, maintained for purely operational and technical reasons. Completely shutting down and restarting the pipeline would pose significant technical challenges, high costs, and operational risks that could compromise the system's safety and stability.

The NOC categorically denied reports claiming the majority of produced gas is exported. It affirmed that the vast majority of gas, including most of the foreign partner's share, is consumed domestically. The quantities exported are the minimum required to maintain the system's safe and stable operation, refuting the idea that halting production is a simple matter.

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Accordingly, NOC categorically denies reports claiming that the majority of produced gas is exported abroad. It clarifies that the vast majority of produced gas, including most of the foreign partner’s share, is consumed domestically to meet citizens' needs and support the electricity grid.