Zawiya Oil Refinery in Libya Halts Operations Amid Armed Clashes

The Zawiya oil refinery in western Libya halted operations following armed clashes that caused significant damage and fires at storage tanks. The National Oil Corporation declared a force majeure due to the unrest, while emergency teams were able to control the fires. Reports indicate one fatality and ten injuries, with the refinery being crucial for local fuel supplies.

On December 15, 2024, a significant oil refinery in western Libya, specifically the Zawiya refinery, ceased operations due to armed clashes that erupted early in the morning. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that several storage tanks were severely damaged from gunfire, leading to substantial fires. Videos circulating on social media demonstrated the severity of the situation, showcasing numerous burning oil tanks at the site that is crucial for the local fuel supply. Despite ongoing violence in the area, NOC’s emergency teams managed to control the fires and gas leaks, ensuring that fuel deliveries to service stations would remain unaffected. However, reports indicate at least one fatality and ten injuries from the clashes, highlighting the volatility of security in the region.

Libya possesses Africa’s most abundant hydrocarbon reserves and is grappling with the aftermath of years of conflict following the 2011 uprising that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi. Clashes among armed factions have frequently disrupted operations at crucial oil installations, but calmer security conditions and renewed investments have led to increased oil production recently. The Zawiya refinery, the country’s second-largest, established in 1974, plays a critical role in the national energy supply, boasting a refining capacity of over 120,000 barrels per day.

The suspension of operations at the Zawiya oil refinery underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Libya’s oil sector amid persistent violence and clashes between armed groups. The immediate response by emergency personnel to control fires reflects the operational resilience of the NOC, but the escalation of armed conflicts poses a continued threat to key infrastructure and stability in Libya’s oil production. This incident may necessitate further discussions on improving security measures for vital oil installations in the future.

Original Source: jordantimes.com