Following our request for more information regarding the resignation of the Libyan Oil Minister Shokri Ghanem, Tarek Alwan, the MD of Sahra Oil Consultancy – a London-based consultancy company specialising in the Libyan market – has sent us this update.
Azzam Elmessallati (a member of the management committee) is believed to be currently running the National Oil Company of Libya (NOC)Â until the government decide on a suitable replacement for Ghanem.
NOC has not officially confirmed or denied Elmessallati’s appointment, but the company website stated that he had a meeting with a delegation from Germany’s RWE on September 8.
Ghanem’s resignation will be viewed by many, especially private companies in Libya, as a huge setback. Ghanem was a popular and effective minister and he had made notable changes whilst in charge of the NOC, most notably the decision to abandon Umm Al-Jawaby Oil Service Company, a London-based firm that anyone wishing to purchase equipment or bid for tenders in Libya had to deal with directly. Â
Ghanem left Libya at the time of his resignation, but it is unclear as to whether or not he has returned.
Many thanks for clearing that up for us Tarek. If anyone has anything else to add please email or leave a comment.Â
