Libya's Zawiya Refinery Faces Shutdown After Drone Attacks

Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) warned on Tuesday that it may shut down the country's largest operating refinery in Zawiya following repeated drone attacks.

The latest attack on Monday targeted an oil-blending and packaging plant, causing a storage tank containing approximately 4.5 million liters of gasoline to collapse after a fire. Firefighters are battling the blaze, which has not damaged the refinery itself but led to a partial shutdown of operations at the Zawiya oil depot and temporary fuel supply disruptions in the western region.

The NOC stated it could declare force majeure if drone attacks on energy assets in Zawiya continue. The refinery, located west of Tripoli, has been repeatedly targeted by drone attacks over the weekend into Monday. While the overall fuel supply situation within Libya remains stable due to available volumes in Tripoli and incoming shipments, the attacks highlight renewed violence in the strategic city. Authorities have not identified who is behind the attacks, and no group has claimed responsibility. Libya has been divided between rival factions since 2011.