According to Numbeo's mid-2026 cost of living index, Libya has been ranked second lowest globally, with an index score of 19.4 points. This ranking is based on a comparison of the costs of consumer goods and services between countries. The index does not necessarily reflect the levels of income or purchasing power of the population.
In the same index, India was ranked as the lowest cost of living country, with a score of 18.1 points. Other countries in the region, including Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, had higher index scores, at 21.5, 26.9, 29, and 31.2 points, respectively. These scores indicate that Libya and India are the most affordable countries for living.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the US Department of State has announced that it has imposed sanctions on Osama Najim and his wife, due to serious human rights abuses. The abuses committed by Najim include torture and inhumane treatment of detainees in Mitiga and Al-Jadida prisons. These sanctions reflect the international community's efforts to hold accountable those responsible for serious human rights abuses.
In another development, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that a group of armed individuals had closed the Hamada main valve, which is used for transporting crude oil, in the Riyayna area. As a result, the NOC was forced to halt pumping operations to protect its production facilities. The continued closure of the valve will lead to a loss of approximately 15,000 barrels per day, which were allocated to feed the Zawiya refinery.
The NOC has called on the Petroleum Facilities Guard to assume its responsibilities and secure the transportation lines, and to reopen the valve as soon as possible. The closure of the valve has resulted in significant disruptions to Libya's oil production and supply chain. The NOC's operations are critical to the country's economy, and the security of its facilities is of utmost importance.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Libya, particularly with regards to human rights abuses and the security of its oil facilities. The imposition of sanctions on Osama Najim and his wife reflects the international community's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for serious human rights abuses. The situation in Libya remains a concern for the international community, and efforts to stabilize the country continue.
The country's economic situation remains fragile, with ongoing challenges to its oil production and supply chain. The ranking of Libya as the second lowest cost of living country globally provides some insight into the country's economic situation, but it does not necessarily reflect the challenges faced by its population in terms of accessing basic goods and services.
Key points
- Libya has been ranked as the second lowest country in terms of cost of living globally, according to Numbeo's mid-2026 index, with an index score of 19.4 points.
- The US Department of State has imposed sanctions on Osama Najim and his wife due to serious human rights abuses committed in Libya.
- The National Oil Corporation has halted pumping operations due to the closure of the Hamada main valve, which will lead to a loss of approximately 15,000 barrels per day.
