On Sunday, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that the facility will temporarily halt gas production at the Mellitah Industrial Complex due to planned refurbishment work.
The NOC declared that “all necessary arrangements have been taken to compensate for the shortage of gas” throughout the refurbishment, which will begin on 01 May.
According to a profile of Mellitah Oil and Gas Company by Italian company Eni, the state-owned oil company uses the Mellitah Industrial Complex to export a portion of the processed natural gas through an offshore pipe line of 32 inches/516 km, connecting the complex to the southern coast of Italy, and managed by the Green Stream.
This offshore export line is considered to be the first link between Libya and Europe, as per Eni’s profile.
Days ago, the Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohamed Aoun confirmed that the Al-Zawiya oil refinery has not been affected by the protests that took place in the city.
In a media statement, Aoun added that, “the refinery has not stopped working. It appears that barriers prevented employees from entering it, but some were allowed to enter and continue operations.”
“The earthen barriers also prevented fuel trucks from leaving the Brega depot, and an understanding has been reached to remove these barriers tomorrow, Friday,” according to his statement.
On Thursday, the city of Al-Zawiya, west of Tripoli, saw a wave of mass protests following the circulation of videos showing Libyan youth being tortured by African mercenaries at a militia headquarters.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, showed scenes of torture, beating, insults, and whipping of a number of Libyan youths.
There were reports that one of the victims was killed by the torturers, who have also reportedly kidnapped his brother. Meanwhile, a group of youths blocked the Coastal Road in response.
Angry protesters forced the closure of the valves of the Al-Zawiya Oil Refinery early this morning. They also gathered in front of the Al-Zawiya Security Directorate, demanding the dismissal of the Security Director, and the expulsion of armed vehicles from the area. As well as declaring civil disobedience, in protest against the spread of crime in the city, according to activists.
A social media activist said that what is happening in Al-Zawiya “is not new,” as the city has witnessed “a significant deterioration in the security situation.”
Another resident wondered how Libyan youth from the city have “become victims at the hands of African migrants who boast about their actions, and send videos to each other?” He called for “popular action to put an end to this farce.”ing in rail transport projects. This requires huge investments.”
