Protests broke out in western Libya, including in its capital Tripoli, on Tuesday after three widespread power outages in two days left residents without reliable electricity. 

Demonstrators took to streets and public squares, blocking roads and setting tires on fire. In Tripoli’s Tajoura district, protesters closed main roads with earthen barriers as they demonstrated against prolonged power outages and deteriorating basic services.  

The latest unrest follows weeks of protests linked to Libya’s electricity crisis. Triggered by a blistering heatwave with temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius, residents faced daily blackouts lasting up to 14 hours, fueling widespread public anger.  

The situation escalated dramatically on July 28, when furious protesters stormed the strategic Mellitah Oil and Gas Complex, temporarily shutting down critical gas supplies to local power stations. 

The power crisis has also prompted a leadership change at Libya’s state electricity company. Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah replaced the board of the General Electricity Company of Libya on Monday.  

Libya’s energy infrastructure has recently come under attack. Last week, Zawiya’s oil refining facilities which can process about 120,000 barrels a day were repeatedly targeted with drones. Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) warned that continued drone attacks could force it to stop operations at the country’s largest functioning refinery. 

One strike hit a gasoline tank holding about 4.5 million liters of fuel and started a major fire, the NOC said. Another damaged a tank containing untreated naphtha. The corporation declared the highest state of emergency in the area and called on the authorities to investigate the attacks. No group has claimed responsibility so far. 

The energy crisis comes amid Libya’s continuing political division. Turmoil has plagued Libya since longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown with NATO support in 2011. The country remains divided between rival administrations in Tripoli and the east, while political disputes and armed unrest have repeatedly disrupted oil production.