**Drone Attacks Threaten Closure of Libya’s Largest Refinery**
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has issued a warning regarding the potential shutdown of the country’s largest operational refinery, located in the western city of Zawiya, following a series of drone attacks targeting oil facilities. The latest incident occurred on Monday, when a drone struck an oil-blending and packaging plant operated by the Zawiya Oil Refining Company. Fortunately, the attack did not result in any casualties or significant material damage, although the drone fell perilously close to a main oil tank and a crucial pipeline network.
The NOC emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that continued assaults on oil infrastructure could force the company to declare force majeure, effectively halting operations at the refinery. The corporation has alerted firefighting and safety teams to remain vigilant amid the escalating threats.
In recent weeks, the Zawiya facility has faced multiple attacks. One previous strike targeted a gasoline tank belonging to the Brega Oil Marketing Company, igniting a substantial fire and causing the tank, which held approximately 4.5 million liters of gasoline, to collapse completely. Additionally, another attack damaged a tank containing untreated naphtha, resulting in leaks and creating two holes in the structure.
The NOC condemned these attacks, labeling them as a direct threat to the security and safety of the nation and its resources. In response to the ongoing violence, the corporation declared a state of emergency in the area and called on local authorities to investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the drone strikes.
The Zawiya refinery, situated about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli, has a processing capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day and is linked to the Sharara oil field, which has a production capacity of 300,000 barrels per day. This refinery is currently the largest functioning facility in Libya, a country that has been plagued by instability since the ousting of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Libya's political landscape remains fragmented, with rival administrations operating in Tripoli and the east. The ongoing political disputes and armed conflicts have repeatedly disrupted oil production, which is vital to the country’s economy. In August 2024, eastern authorities temporarily closed oil fields and terminals amid a dispute over the control of Libya’s central bank. The NOC was able to lift the force majeure status in October of that year after a resolution regarding the bank’s leadership was reached.
The recent violence poses a significant challenge to Libya's efforts to attract foreign energy investment. In 2025, the NOC initiated its first oil-and-gas exploration bidding round in 17 years, offering 20 onshore and offshore blocks to potential investors. However, the security situation and the threat of further attacks could deter foreign interest and investment in Libya's energy sector.
As the situation develops, the NOC continues to monitor the safety of its facilities and the broader implications of these drone attacks on Libya’s oil production and economic stability.