Al-Shalawi: “Libyan Oil Deserves to Be Discussed Through Numbers, Not Impressions”

Oil expert Monsef Al-Shalawi wrote an article entitled: A professional perspective on what distinguished journalist Ahmed Al-Sanussi raised

I followed with great interest the remarks made by my dear friend and distinguished journalist Mr. Ahmed Al-Sanussi. I have known him for nearly ten years and hold him in high regard and respect for his well-known interest in public affairs and his commitment to raising issues that affect Libyan citizens, particularly economic matters.

Because I know him well and understand that he raises issues out of concern for the country, I decided to write these lines in a spirit of friendship and respect—not as a response to him personally, but rather as a contribution to clarifying some technical aspects related to the oil sector. This is the sector in which I have had the honor of working for nearly four decades, witnessing many of its stages, challenges, achievements, and setbacks.

In all my previous articles, I have always followed one principle that I do not deviate from: the truth must stand above individuals, and the national interest must come before all considerations. I do not write in defense of an official, nor do I criticize merely for the sake of criticism. Instead, I write according to my professional conscience and modest experience, believing that raising public awareness is a shared responsibility between the media and technical experts.

From this perspective, I would like to address some of the points raised in the discussion.

First: Are there contradictions in production figures?

From a technical perspective, I do not believe this represents a contradiction as much as it reflects differences between various production indicators.

In the oil industry, there are figures that represent actual production on a specific day, others that represent average production over a month, quarter, or full year, as well as available production capacity, which differs from actual production.

It is natural for production volumes to change from one day to another due to routine maintenance operations, operational tests, pumping rates, or the technical and logistical conditions associated with operating oil fields and ports.

Therefore, announcing production approaching 1.49 million barrels per day on a specific day, followed by the announcement of a slightly lower average production during another period, does not constitute a contradiction. Rather, it reflects the nature of the oil industry, which does not operate according to fixed figures.

Second: Should increased production be attributed to a specific entity?

The oil sector is, by nature, an institutional sector, and this is a fact that no one disputes.

At the same time, increasing production is not achieved solely through the efforts of the National Oil Corporation, nor through a single political decision. Instead, it is the result of an integrated system involving the National Oil Corporation, affiliated companies, foreign partners, field workers, security agencies, and executive authorities responsible for providing funding and overcoming obstacles.

Therefore, fairness requires that success should not be attributed to one individual. Likewise, the efforts that contributed to restarting fields, lifting force majeure conditions, and securing the budgets required for maintenance and development should not be ignored. These factors had a direct impact on restoring production levels.

Third: Is comparing production with 2012 accurate?

It is true that Libya was able to quickly return after 2011 to production levels approaching 1.6 million barrels per day, but that recovery occurred under completely different circumstances.

At that time, the oil fields had just emerged from a relatively short shutdown period, and most production facilities and infrastructure still maintained their technical readiness.

However, the years that followed witnessed repeated closures of ports and oil fields, declarations of force majeure on multiple occasions, attacks on infrastructure, declining investments, delays in development and exploration projects, in addition to institutional and financial divisions that affected the sector for many years.

Therefore, reaching production levels today approaching one and a half million barrels per day, after all these challenges, represents a positive indicator that deserves objective analysis. At the same time, it must be emphasized that the road remains long before reaching the targeted production capacities.

Fourth: What about the discussion of three million barrels per day?

In my view, this figure should not be considered a promise that can be achieved in the near term, but rather as a long-term strategic goal.

Reaching three million barrels per day requires new discoveries, development of existing fields, investments that may reach tens of billions of dollars, modernization of infrastructure, and political, security, and legislative stability, in addition to creating an attractive environment for investment.

These are not mere aspirations, but well-known requirements in the global oil industry, where major national oil companies set future objectives extending over one or two decades.

Fifth: Has the citizen benefited from increased production?

I believe this is the most important question, and it is a legitimate one that everyone agrees on.

However, it is also important to distinguish between generating revenue and managing revenue.

The National Oil Corporation is responsible for exploration, production, and exports, as well as transferring revenues to the public treasury according to applicable legislation.

As for how these revenues are distributed, how services are financed, and how citizens’ living standards are improved, these responsibilities fall on the state’s financial and executive institutions.

Therefore, holding the oil sector alone responsible for living conditions does not reflect the complete picture. The real issue lies in how public revenues are managed, spending efficiency, governance, and economic reform.

Sixth: Where should the discussion focus?

I believe the national discussion should not focus on questioning every figure issued by the oil sector. Instead, it should focus on how to maximize revenues, reduce waste, improve public spending efficiency, diversify the economy, and transform oil wealth into development that citizens can feel in their daily lives.

The success of the oil sector in increasing production represents an important step, but it is not the end of the road. Real development is not achieved through production alone, but through sound management of revenues.

In conclusion…

I reiterate my appreciation and respect for my friend Mr. Ahmed Al-Sanussi. I believe that differences in viewpoints do not damage relationships; rather, they enrich public discussion when everyone adheres to objectivity and respect for differing opinions.

As for me, I will continue—as I have always done—to write as someone who belongs to this sector, not defending individuals nor opposing anyone, but rather committed to the truth, the national interest, and the Libyan citizen’s right to receive accurate information and balanced analysis.

Libyan oil is not merely production figures or financial revenues. It is the foundation of the national economy and a responsibility entrusted to us all. It deserves to be discussed through numbers and judged through facts, away from impressions.