Zawiya Refinery Restarts Operations After Conflict-Related Shutdown

Libya's largest functioning oil refinery has resumed full operations after a two-day shutdown caused by fighting near the facility. The Zawiya refinery, located about 40km west of Tripoli, has a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day and is connected to the larger Sharara oilfield, which produces 300,000 barrels daily.

The shutdown occurred on Friday when heavy shelling struck multiple locations inside the refinery complex. Operator Azzawiya Oil Refining Company stated it was forced to completely shut down the plant and evacuate all tankers from the port due to the fighting. Libya's National Oil Corporation confirmed that several high-calibre projectiles landed in various parts of the oil complex, though no significant damage was reported at that time.

The fighting intensified and spread into residential areas adjacent to the refinery, increasing risks to both the facility and surrounding communities. Despite the conflict, the NOC assured that fuel supplies to Tripoli and surrounding areas remained unaffected. Zawiya's security directorate described the events as a "security operation against outlaws."

Libya has experienced ongoing unrest since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Zawiya has seen repeated fighting that has at times forced the closure of the coastal road to the Tunisian border. Reports of unrest in the city circulated online, including unverified footage of gunfire echoing across Zawiya.