Masoud Suleiman Unveils NOC Plan to Raise Refining Capacity to 660,000 bpd

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly expand the country’s refining capacity, as Chairman Masoud Suleiman emphasized the critical role of domestic fuel production in strengthening the national economy and reducing reliance on imports.

In a statement published on his official Facebook page, Suleiman said Libya’s oil refineries currently suffer from outdated technology, simple designs, and weak output, creating a widening gap between refinery production and domestic fuel consumption.

According to Suleiman, Libya’s five main refineries have a combined design capacity of around 380,000 barrels per day (bpd), but actual output stands at approximately 180,000 bpd, largely due to the continued shutdown of the Ras Lanuf refinery since 2013. This shortfall has forced the country to depend heavily on imported fuel to meet local demand.

To address these challenges, the NOC plans to upgrade existing refineries, increase total refining capacity to 660,000 bpd, and move forward with the construction of new refining facilities, including the long‑planned Southern Refinery. Suleiman said these projects would enhance fuel availability, improve efficiency across the downstream sector, and strengthen the economic viability of Libya’s oil industry.

He noted that the expansion of the refining sector is expected to deliver long‑term benefits, including achieving self‑sufficiency in gasoline by 2037, cooking gas by 2033, and diesel by 2034. These milestones, he said, would help stabilize the local market and provide sustainable support for the national economy.

Suleiman stressed that despite ongoing operational and financial challenges, the National Oil Corporation remains committed to building a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable oil sector that serves Libyan citizens and reinforces the industry’s contribution to national development.