Libya Announces Closure of Pipeline in Zawiya due to Oil Leak

Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Saturday the closure of a pipeline south of the city of Zawiya due to an oil leak.

Zawiya, located approximately 40 kilometers west of the capital, Tripoli, is home to Libya's largest operating oil refinery, with a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day. This refinery is connected to the Sharara oil field, the country's largest, which produces approximately 300,000 barrels per day.

The NOC published a photo showing the leaking oil flowing into the desert, noting that the flow of oil from the Hamada fields through the damaged pipeline was immediately halted.

The NOC added in a statement: "In parallel with the ongoing maintenance work, a team of specialists is conducting an investigation to determine the causes of the leak. Necessary arrangements and coordination are also underway to recover the leaked oil and address any environmental pollution resulting from the incident."