Al-Brega Extends Operating Hours of Gas Filling Points in Benghazi

Libya's state-owned oil marketer Al-Brega has announced extended daily operating hours for its gas cylinder filling points in the eastern city of Benghazi, a move aimed at easing long-running fuel distribution bottlenecks that have plagued residents for years.

Gas Filling Stations Now Open 12 Hours Daily in Benghazi

The Management of Instant Filling Points in the Central and Eastern Regions of Al-Brega Oil Marketing Company confirmed that filling stations in Benghazi will now operate daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, effective immediately. The new schedule, published on the company's official social media page on Sunday, replaces previous shorter operating windows that often left citizens waiting for hours outside distribution centres.

According to the company statement, the extended hours apply to all instant filling points in Benghazi and will gradually roll out across other areas in the central and eastern regions in the coming period.

Citizens Welcome Extended Gas Cylinder Access

Residents of Benghazi have long complained about the difficulty of obtaining cooking gas cylinders, a fundamental household necessity. Queues stretching for blocks have been a common sight outside filling points, with some families reporting they spend entire days securing a single cylinder.

The new 12-hour schedule is expected to significantly reduce wait times by spreading demand across a broader window. "This is a step in the right direction," a local resident told Libya Press. "When filling stations close early, working people have no chance to pick up gas after their shifts. Eight in the evening gives everyone a fair opportunity."

Al-Brega's Role in Libya's Fuel Distribution Network

Al-Brega Oil Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), is the primary entity responsible for distributing petroleum products across Libya, including cooking gas, petrol, and diesel. The company operates a network of filling points, storage facilities, and distribution centres spanning the country's sprawling geography.

Since the 2011 uprising and subsequent periods of instability, Libya's fuel supply chain has faced persistent structural challenges. Militia interference, smuggling operations, infrastructure damage, and administrative fragmentation have all contributed to chronic shortages despite the country holding Africa's largest proven oil reserves.

The situation is particularly acute in eastern Libya, where political divisions between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and eastern-based authorities have at times complicated the coordination of fuel deliveries.

Service Improvements Aim to Ease Daily Life for Libyans

The Management of Instant Filling Points stated that the adoption of new working hours comes within broader efforts to improve service levels and facilitate citizens' access to gas cylinders in a more streamlined manner that meets their daily needs.

Al-Brega has been gradually modernising its distribution operations, including digital tracking of fuel shipments and upgrades to storage infrastructure. The extended filling point hours complement these efforts by addressing the last-mile delivery challenge that directly affects household consumers.

Industry observers note that while operational adjustments like extended hours provide immediate relief, lasting solutions require resolving deeper governance and security issues that have kept Libya's energy sector operating well below capacity. The country continues to import refined petroleum products despite its vast crude reserves, a paradox that underscores the scale of the challenge.

What Comes Next for Gas Distribution in Eastern Libya

Al-Brega confirmed that the remaining instant filling points in the central and eastern regions will adopt the same 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM schedule over the coming weeks. The phased rollout suggests the company is testing operational capacity before a full-scale implementation.

Local authorities in Benghazi have welcomed the announcement and urged the company to ensure adequate gas supplies are available to meet the likely increase in daily fill volumes. Coordination between Al-Brega, municipal authorities, and security forces will be essential to prevent congestion and maintain orderly distribution, particularly during the initial adjustment period.

For now, Benghazi residents can expect a more predictable and accessible gas filling schedule — a small but meaningful improvement in daily life that reflects the broader aspiration for reliable public services across Libya.

— Libya Press / News Desk