The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya expressed deep concern over the closure of a crucial oil pipeline by an armed group. The pipeline, which connects the Hamada fields to the Zawiya refinery, was shut down on October 30, 2026, at 12:30 AM. This pipeline is the main artery that supplies the refinery with crude oil for processing. The closure was caused by an armed group shutting a valve in the Riyayna area.
The NOC stated that the sudden and forced closure led to a dangerous increase in operating pressure. As a result, technical and engineering teams had to immediately stop pumping operations to protect the pipeline and vital production facilities. This emergency measure resulted in a complete halt of oil supplies from the fields connected to the pipeline. The NOC warned of severe consequences if the closure continues.
The shutdown is expected to cause daily losses of approximately 15,000 barrels of crude oil intended for the Zawiya refinery. The NOC emphasized that the damage extends beyond lost production volumes, posing a direct and serious threat to the safety of oil facilities and the stability of the national economy. The refinery relies heavily on this pipeline for its operations.
The NOC condemned these repeated attacks, urging relevant authorities, particularly the Petroleum Facilities Guard, to fulfill their legal and historical responsibilities. The corporation called for immediate intervention to secure the pipelines, reopen the closed valve, and resume pumping operations as soon as possible. This is crucial to protect Libya's resources and ensure the continuity of the energy sector.
The closure of the Hamada pipeline is not an isolated incident, as the Libyan oil sector has faced numerous disruptions due to armed conflicts and political instability. The NOC's infrastructure and facilities have been vulnerable to such attacks, affecting the country's ability to produce and export oil. The economic impact of these disruptions is significant, given the sector's importance to Libya's economy.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Libya, particularly the impact of ongoing conflicts on the country's oil production and export capabilities. The United Nations and other global powers have been urging Libyan authorities to ensure the security of oil facilities and maintain the flow of oil to support the country's economic recovery.
The NOC's call for protection of its facilities and resumption of operations highlights the critical need for stability and security in Libya's energy sector. Ensuring the safe operation of oil facilities is essential for the country's economic stability and prosperity. The situation remains a key concern for Libyan authorities and the international community.
Key points
- The armed group closure of the Hamada pipeline threatens to halt oil supplies to the Zawiya refinery.
- The shutdown may cause daily losses of 15,000 barrels of crude oil.
- The NOC urges authorities to secure pipelines and resume operations to protect Libya's resources and economy.
