On Sunday, Zallaf Libya for Oil & Gas Exploration and Production confirmed that it is nearing the start of preparatory work for the Southern Refinery Project, with initial activities set to begin in the coming weeks.
The announcement came during a technical meeting in which the company’s financial and technical departments reviewed its 2024 activities and outlined future projects, including the production plan for 2025.
Zallaf Libya also revealed that the detailed design phase and equipment manufacturing for the second and final stage of the Southern Refinery have been completed, signaling a major step forward in the project’s timeline.
The meeting was attended by senior managers from several departments, board members, and industry specialists, all of whom expressed confidence in the project’s progress.
The Southern Refinery is one of Zallaf Libya’s most important strategic initiatives, aiming to fuel self-sufficiency for southern Libya. The refinery will help reduce the region’s reliance on fuel imports, create job opportunities, and support the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Once operational, the refinery will process crude oil into essential petroleum products to meet local demand. Any surplus could be exported, providing additional revenue for Libya. Given the country’s vast oil resources, this project is seen as a key driver in maximizing the potential of Libya’s southern oil-producing regions, which have long been neglected.
The progress in completing detailed designs and manufacturing key equipment marks a significant milestone in the refinery’s development. Zallaf Libya is preparing to begin preparatory work at the site, which will involve groundwork to set the stage for full-scale construction.
The Southern Refinery will be a major contributor to Libya’s efforts to increase domestic fuel production, reduce dependence on imports, and revitalize its economy after years of conflict. The project will also create numerous jobs during construction and in ongoing operations, particularly benefiting the southern region, which has historically had limited economic opportunities.
This initiative aligns with the National Oil Corporation’s (NOC) broader strategy of expanding Libya’s oil refining capacity and improving energy infrastructure.
