T. L. DEITCH Candidate of Historical Sciences Keywords: Libya, Gaddafi, oil, conflict, NATO, Russia, China, African Union Speaking about the causes and consequences of crisis situations in North Africa, analysts pay attention to the oil markets of the region, where the interests of many countries of the world collide. The share of four countries-Nigeria, Angola. Libya and Algeria account for 76% of Africa's oil production1. ONCE AGAIN, THE WAR FOR RESOURCES Libya, which has 300 oil fields, ranks 1st in Africa in terms of proven oil reserves (according to OPEC, in 2009 - 46.422 billion bbl. 2); production is 1.6 million barrels per day, exports-1.1 million b / d3. It is estimated that 32% of Libyan oil goes to Italy, 14% to Germany, 10% to France, 10% to China, and 5% to the United States4. Natural gas reserves in Libya - 1.5 trillion cubic meters (4th place in Africa) 5. It is worth recalling that Muammar Gaddafi, who led a group of officers who overthrew King Idris I in 1969, in 1970 achieved not only the withdrawal of American and British military bases from Libyan territory, but also put oil and gas production under control of the country, thereby infringing on the interests of Western oil companies. It is no coincidence that the Gaddafi regime has been the target of pressure from the United States and Britain from the very beginning. However, since the mid-80s, Western companies have once again begun to strengthen their positions in Libya. Almost all natural gas production and 1/3 of oil production ended up in the hands of Italian (Eni and Ajip) and Spanish (Rapsol) companies that supplied Libyan energy resources to Europe. Currently, oil production in Libya has decreased from 1.6 to 0.5-1 million b / d6. Foreign companies are evacuating their employees and suspending their operations. Oil prices are rising, and the consequences of this growth can be negative not only for oil-importing countries, but also for countries with oil reserves, including Russia. WHAT D ... Read more