KEY POINTS
- Italy and Libya held talks in Rome to strengthen energy cooperation amid rising global fuel prices.
- Libya remains Italy’s biggest crude oil supplier despite a drop in gas exports caused by instability and infrastructure disruptions.
- Italian energy company Eni continues major operations in Libya, with new projects expected to begin in 2026.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah have held talks in Rome aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between both countries as Italy seeks to secure alternative energy supplies amid rising global fuel prices.
The discussions focused on expanding economic ties and increasing investments in Libya’s energy sector at a time of growing instability in global oil markets linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
In a statement released after the meeting, Meloni’s office said both leaders agreed to deepen their already strong bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of energy and economic collaboration.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to working together on migration management, an issue that remains central in relations between Italy and Libya.
Libya Remains Key Oil Supplier to Italy
Libya currently stands as Italy’s largest supplier of crude oil, contributing nearly 20 percent of Italy’s total crude imports.
However, Libyan gas exports to Italy declined significantly in 2025, dropping to about one billion cubic metres from 1.4 billion cubic metres recorded in 2024.
The reduction has been linked to rising domestic demand within Libya, repeated disruptions to energy infrastructure, and ongoing political instability, all of which affected operations along the Greenstream pipeline connecting Libya to Italy.
Italian lawmakers who visited Libya in April reportedly discussed the need for increased investments to boost Libya’s gas production capacity and improve exports to Italy.
Italian energy giant Eni, which has operated in Libya since 1959, remains the country’s leading international energy operator.
The state-controlled company currently produces approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in Libya and is overseeing three development projects, two of which are expected to commence operations in 2026.
