Libya seeks bigger role in supplying gas to Europe, says minister

The Greenstream gas pipeline linking Libya to Italy is operating at less than 20% of its export capacity despite the country’s abundant resources and ready infrastructure, Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Abdulssadeq told Al Jazeera on December 9. 

Abdulssadeq said shifting geopolitical dynamics have pushed Europe to seek stable gas suppliers, stressing that natural gas has become central to global energy security. Libya’s strategic position between Africa and Europe, he noted, places it in a strong position to become a regional hub for collecting and exporting African gas to the EU.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on the sidelines of the Africa Gas Forum 2025, the minister described Europe as Libya’s “closest and most promising market.” Abdulssadeq added that Europe remains heavily dependent on LNG imports, while pipeline gas is “far more cost-effective,” making Libya a viable alternative for affordable and secure supply. The country is looking for a bigger role in gas supply to Europe, he said. 

Libya possesses one of the largest natural gas reserves in the region, with conventional resources estimated at around 70 trillion cubic feet and unconventional resources exceeding 129 trillion cubic feet, potentially reaching 200 trillion, according to the International Energy Agency.

Major international companies operating in Libya, including Eni (BIT:ENI), TotalEnergies (TTA: EPA), and Repsol (BME:REP), joined the forum. The minister also revealed ongoing talks with BP (LSE:BP), Shell (LSE:SHEL), and Austria’s OMV (VIE:OMV), noting that memorandums of understanding have been signed to evaluate investment opportunities ahead of expected binding agreements.

Abdulssadeq said the strong corporate turnout reflects the rising importance of gas, adding that Europe faces a “real crisis” of soaring energy bills. “We believe Libya will be an important part of the solution,” he said.