Al-Zawiya Refinery, which has a daily capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels, has completely ceased operations due to an electrical malfunction.
According to the U.S.-based “S&P Global Platts,” which specializes in commodity and energy markets, the Al-Zawiya Refinery has been fully shut down due to an electrical failure, exacerbating the ongoing fuel crisis in the country, as reported by “Al-Wasat.”
The report noted that one of the refinery’s units was already out of operation for maintenance when the second unit was shut down in the early hours of Tuesday morning due to an electrical malfunction at the refinery.
It is worth noting that Al-Zawiya Refinery is one of the largest in Libya, consisting of two units with a total production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, utilizing light sweet crude from the Sharara and El Feel oil fields. The refinery is operated by the Zawiya Oil Refining Company.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
