Libya’s largest operating refinery in Zawiya resumed operations after armed clashes nearby forced a two-day shutdown. The facility, located about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli, halted operations on Friday as fighting spread through surrounding areas.
Az Zawiya Oil Refining Company said it fully shut down the refinery and cleared all tankers from the port after artillery shells hit several parts of the complex. National Oil Corporation confirmed that heavy-caliber shells landed inside the site, although officials did not initially report major damage.
The clashes broke out during a security operation led by the Joint Security Room, which coordinates armed and security units across the Tripoli region. Authorities said the operation targeted wanted individuals in Zawiya. The city’s security directorate described those involved as outlaws but did not name any groups. Despite the shutdown, the NOC said fuel supplies to Tripoli and nearby areas continued without interruption.
The Zawiya refinery can process about 120,000 barrels of oil per day and connects directly to the Al Sharara oil field, Libya’s largest field, with a production of roughly 300,000 barrels per day. According to the NOC, the refinery serves as the main fuel supply centre for western Libya. Even brief shutdowns can increase the risk of fuel shortages in Tripoli and surrounding communities.
The refinery has faced repeated disruptions linked to Libya’s security challenges. In December 2024, armed clashes caused fires in several storage tanks after gunfire hit the facility, prompting the NOC to declare force majeure. Similar incidents also disrupted operations in September 2025.
Al Sharara oil field has also experienced several shutdowns in recent years. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, protesters entered the operations control room in August 2024, forcing a partial suspension of production. Earlier, in January 2024, demonstrators from the city of Ubari temporarily stopped output while demanding action over fuel shortages.
After the latest incident, Az Zawiya Oil Refining Company urged authorities to move quickly to protect critical infrastructure. The company called on state institutions to prevent armed clashes from reaching vital facilities in order to protect workers, nearby residents, and refinery operations.
The Zawiya refinery generates an estimated $1 million in daily revenue, according to figures reported by The National. Oil makes up more than 95% of Libya’s exports and funds most public spending, according to the World Bank, meaning every disruption places additional pressure on the country’s finances.
source: www.ecofinagency.com
African Energy Council