The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution extending measures to combat the illegal export of Libyan oil, while renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts overseeing sanctions on Libya.
The resolution was approved with all 15 members voting in favor, reinforcing international efforts to monitor and prevent illicit oil activities that continue to undermine Libya’s economy and security. It builds on Resolution 2146, which authorizes member states to inspect vessels suspected of involvement in unauthorized oil exports.
As part of the decision, the Panel of Experts’ mandate has been extended for an additional year, allowing it to continue tracking violations, assessing compliance, and reporting findings to the Security Council.
The resolution follows a proposal introduced by the United Kingdom, which holds the Libya portfolio at the Council. The draft includes measures aimed at tightening control over oil revenues and ensuring they are managed through official state channels.
It reaffirms that the National Oil Corporation is the sole entity authorized to market and export Libyan oil. It also calls for prohibiting the deposit of oil revenues outside official accounts, in an effort to prevent the emergence of parallel financial systems.
In addition, the resolution expands the scope of sanctions to target individuals and entities involved in oil smuggling or violations of the arms embargo. It also emphasizes the need for greater transparency by granting oversight bodies improved access to financial and contractual data related to the oil sector.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the scale of fuel smuggling in Libya, which has resulted in significant financial losses and contributed to instability. Reports have indicated that billions of dollars have been lost in recent years due to illicit fuel trade.
