The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced a state of force majeure and declared a Level 3 emergency at the Al-Zawiya Oil Refinery following severe damages to multiple storage tanks caused by ongoing armed clashes in the area.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 15, the NOC expressed its deep regret over the incident, revealing that the facility sustained significant damage in the early hours of the morning. Gunfire from clashes between armed groups around the refinery resulted in serious fires and gas line leaks.
Emergency response teams have managed to contain the flames and prevent the spread of hazardous materials, despite the fighting persisting near the site. The NOC highlighted that the continued violence poses an immense risk to the safety of workers and the surrounding residential areas, where the scale of potential damage remains unpredictable.
The NOC Board of Directors has entered a state of continuous emergency, coordinating with relevant departments to mitigate risks to lives and property. The statement also called on responsible authorities to urgently intervene, cease the hostilities, and ensure that vital oil facilities are protected from conflict, regardless of its causes or motives.
In an urgent plea, the NOC urged the government led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to take immediate action to resolve the clashes and prevent further damage. The statement emphasized the extreme danger posed to civilians if additional storage tanks, filled with highly flammable materials, sustain further damage.
The NOC reiterated the critical importance of safeguarding Libya’s oil infrastructure and urged all parties to prioritize the safety of lives over conflict.
