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Ben Sharada Warns Against Fuel Subsidy Cuts Without Economic Reforms

High Council of State member Saad Ben Sharada warned that removing fuel subsidies without proper alternatives and economic reforms could create serious social and economic problems in Libya.

Ben Sharada said fuel price increases would likely raise transportation costs and the prices of basic goods, while potentially putting more pressure on the exchange rate and worsening inflation.

He said Libyans support efforts to stop fuel smuggling, but stressed that authorities must first address economic and security challenges before placing additional costs on citizens.

Ben Sharada also highlighted the impact of the liquidity crisis and the lack of reliable public transportation, saying many citizens could struggle to afford fuel. He questioned the details and guarantees of proposed cash compensation programs, and called for clearer solutions.

Regarding fuel imports, he questioned the rise in Libya’s fuel import spending, which increased from around $3 billion annually between 2016 and 2019 to nearly $9 billion in 2024, saying the figures suggest a significant portion of imported fuel may be lost through smuggling.

Libya Introduces Electronic Visa System to Simplify Procedures

The Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority announced the launch of a new electronic visa system through the website (evisa.gov.ly) to make the process of issuing entry visas easier and faster.

The Authority said the new system is part of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s plan to expand digital government services, improve the quality of services, and reduce paperwork.

Companies and individuals applying for entry visas for foreign nationals are now required to submit their applications through the electronic platform and follow the approved steps to complete the process and receive the necessary approvals.

Saddam Haftar Meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington

Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces in Eastern and Southern regions, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington during his official visit to the United States.

The meeting, attended by US Presidential Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, focused on developments in Libya, the US initiative, and ways to strengthen cooperation between Libya and the United States.

The visit comes just days after Lieutenant General Abdul Salam Al-Zoubi, under secretary of Minister of Defense of the Western Region Government, held meetings with US officials, including Massad Boulos, who has been involved in US efforts to support dialogue and political coordination between Libya’s Eastern and Western authorities.

The meetings reflect continued US engagement with Libyan officials from both regions, focusing on cooperation, stability, and efforts related to Libya’s political process.

Libya Issues New Rules for Foreign Trade Agencies

Libya’s Ministry of Economy and Trade has introduced new regulations under Decision No. 319 of 2026 to govern foreign commercial agencies in the country.

The rules aim to organize licensing procedures, clarify legal requirements, and improve transparency between local companies and foreign businesses operating in Libya.

Officials said the framework is part of wider efforts to modernize trade laws, improve the business environment, and support fair competition.

The move is also expected to boost investor confidence and encourage more foreign companies to enter the Libyan market.

Libyan President Mohamed Al Menfi Appoints New Intelligence Leadership

Libyan President Mohamed Al Menfi has officially appointed Abdulmajid Elmlegta as the new Intelligence Head for the Western Region Government.

He also appointed Abdelshafi Bouzlaa as Deputy Head of the Intelligence Service, responsible for public affairs and external communication.

The decisions are part of ongoing institutional restructuring aimed at strengthening intelligence coordination, media engagement, and external communication channels.

Venezuela Earthquakes: International Rescue Teams Join Search as Death Toll Reaches 920.

VENEZUELA – Venezuela is facing a major disaster after two powerful earthquakes struck the north of the country. At 18:04 local time (23:04 BST), a magnitude 7.2 quake hit northern Venezuela, followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude earthquake about 28 km south-east of Yumare in Yaracuy state. It is the strongest earthquake recorded in the country since 1900.

On Thursday at around 00:50, acting president Delcy Rodríguez reported at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injured, noting that figures from the hardest-hit state of La Guaira were still not included. Emergency teams and the military were deployed as international aid began mobilizing, with the United States pledging $150 million in assistance.

By Friday morning, rescue teams from Mexico, El Salvador, Switzerland, and Spain arrived in Venezuela, with more international support expected. At around 08:30 local time, the death toll rose to 589, with 2,980 injured, and authorities placed La Guaira under military control.

Later on, Friday, officials updated the figures again, confirming at least 920 deaths and 3,360 injured. An update from Rodríguez also put the number of trapped people at 172, while tens of thousands of people are reported missing on a civilian-led rescue database.

Search and rescue operations continued into Saturday as teams worked through rubble, with officials saying they remain hopeful of finding survivors.

Benghazi Chamber of Commerce Hosts Turkish Electrical and Electronic Delegation

The Benghazi Chamber of Commerce received a delegation from the Turkish Electrical and Electronic Exporters Association at its headquarters in Benghazi.

The meeting, attended by Chamber Chairman Muneem Al-Saity and the Director of Economic and International Relations, Ramadan Boubtana, focused on exploring cooperation opportunities and reviewing Turkish expertise in electrical and electronic industries.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen business ties and enhance cooperation between Libyan and Turkish private sector institutions.

The Chamber said the visit reflects growing interest from Turkish companies in Libya’s market and efforts to build stronger economic partnerships between the two countries.

Benghazi Brings Together Business Leaders to Support Investment and Development Phase.

BENGHAZI – The Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, a key development institution under Eastern region government, hosted the Libyan Businessmen’s Forum for Development and Reconstruction in Benghazi, bringing together business leaders, investors, and representatives of companies and institutions from across Libya in a first-of-its-kind economic platform.

The forum focused on investment opportunities, partnerships, and the role of the private sector in supporting the next phase of development. Discussions highlighted ongoing reconstruction projects and how they can become a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and long-term stability.

The event included dialogue sessions with business leaders and investors, as well as a speech by Engineer Belgasim Haftar, Director General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund.

Haftar said that reconstruction is no longer just a plan or a promise, but a reality that is creating new opportunities for investment, job creation, and a stronger role for Libyan businessmen in supporting the national economy. The forum aims to connect reconstruction efforts with economic growth and encourage more involvement from the private sector in Libya’s development.

Libya Grants Malaysian Nationals Visa-Free Entry.

TRIPOLI – Libya has exempted Malaysian nationals from entry visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days, under a decree issued by Prime Minister of Western region government, Abdel Hamid Dabaiba.

The Libyan government said the decision comes in application of the principle of reciprocity, following Malaysia’s earlier move to extend its visa-free period for Libyan nationals from 14 to 30 days.

BENGHAZI – The RBCS (Reconstruction Committee for Sabri and Central Benghazi) is a local body responsible for managing and coordinating reconstruction and development projects in these areas of Benghazi.

It has opened registration for suppliers, contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and service providers, both local and international, to participate in upcoming reconstruction projects.

Interested parties can apply through the official registration portal:

https://rbcs.ly/en/vendors/register

This initiative aims to support rebuilding efforts and strengthen cooperation with qualified partners.