Libya has emerged as Italy's largest crude oil supplier during the first seven months of 2024. From January to July, Italy imported an impressive 7.39 million tons of Libyan crude oil, which accounted for 22.3% of the country's total oil imports during this period.

This volume represents a significant 28.6% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023, underlining Libya’s growing importance as a critical energy partner for Italy despite the ongoing political challenges and instability in the North African nation.

Following Libya, Nigeria ranked as Italy’s second-largest supplier, delivering 11.94 million tons of crude, which made up 35.9% of Italy's overall oil imports—a 31.3% year-on-year increase. Ghana and Cameroon also contributed to Italy’s oil demand, with Ghana exporting 104.3% of its national output and Cameroon contributing 42.3% to the Italian market.

This surge in Libyan oil exports further strengthens the longstanding energy ties between Libya and Italy, highlighting the strategic importance of the Mediterranean region in Europe’s energy security.