Shell Operations in Libya

=History=

In Libya Shell holds interests in Area 89, NC211-215, NC211-C and NC212 onshore blocks, and was drilling two wells in the country before the civil war of 2011 broke out.

In addition the company worked on upgrading the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Brega to raise capacity from 500,000 tonnes per year to 3.2 million, after signing an agreement in 2005. The UK's Guardian reported controversy around the signing of the Shell contract for the Brega plant upgrade, asserting that during a March 2004 visit to Libya by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, several meetings were held with Libyan and Shell officials. Allegedly British government officials discussed Shell's business in the region and helped to promote the UK's wider energy agenda, angering US rivals in the process.

=Activities and contracts=

In May 2012 Shell announced that it was halting its exploration and drilling operations in two Libyan blocks, citing "disappointing results". However later that year in November, the company said it remained interested in oil and gas exploration opportunities in the country despite abandoning drilling in two blocks earlier in the year.

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