Why did political instability after 2011 cause changes in Libya’s oil production?

Following the 2011 uprising that removed Muammar al-Qaddafi from power, Libya experienced significant political instability and factional fighting, which directly impacted the country's petroleum industry—its primary source of revenue.123

The instability caused fluctuations in oil production due to several key factors:

• Militia Interference: Various armed groups and local militias, which remained active and autonomous following the revolution, frequently disrupted oil infrastructure to exert pressure on the central government and demand political or economic concessions.1
• Strikes and Seizures: Disgruntled oil workers organized strikes that caused production volatility. Additionally, specific militia leaders, such as Ibrahim Jathran, seized control of major oil terminals to demand greater autonomy and a larger share of oil revenues for eastern Libya.1
• Governance Challenges: Successive interim governments, including the General National Congress, struggled to maintain authority or control over armed groups, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable to ongoing attacks and sabotage.1

While efforts were made to restore order, the inability of the state to secure these facilities led to persistent instability in output and export earnings.12