Libya's National Oil Corporation declares force majeure at Zawiya refinery after armed clashes

By Yakoota Al Ahmad

ISTANBUL (AA) - Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Sunday declared force majeure at the Zawiya Refinery in western Libya after armed clashes nearby.

In a statement, the NOC said the refinery storage tanks sustained significant damage from gunfire that caused serious fires.

“This damage is a direct consequence of armed clashes using light and medium weapons in the refinery’s vicinity,” it added.

The NOC warned that its security and safety personnel were unable to bring the fires and gas leaks under control.

“This situation puts the lives of workers and the entire surrounding population at considerable and unpredictable risk,” it said, calling on authorities to urgently intervene to stop the clashes “and keep oil facilities out of the conflict zone, regardless of the causes or motives."

Libya holds Africa’s largest crude reserves, but years of conflict and violence in the country since the 2011 ouster of ruler Muammar Gaddafi has hobbled production and exports.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi