A major oil refinery in Zawiya, western Libya, ceased operations yesterday following clashes between local armed groups that caused fires in several storage tanks. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared a state of force majeure. However, the fire was later brought under control.

The force majeure declaration, typically invoked in exceptional circumstances, exempts the NOC from liability for failing to fulfil oil delivery contracts. Located 40 kilometres west of the capital, Tripoli, the Zawiya refinery is Libya’s largest operational refinery, with a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day.

The refinery is connected to the Sharara oil field, which has a daily output of 300,000 barrels. Established in 1974, the Zawiya refinery also serves as a hub for crude oil exports and the import of petroleum products. It is the largest refinery in Libya after the Ras Lanuf refinery in the north.