# Libya oil infrastructure disruptions

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/libya-oil-infrastructure-disruptions
> Updated: 2026-10-31T01:00:12.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Libya has experienced repeated disruptions to its oil infrastructure due to the actions of armed groups and protesters. In late September and early October, incidents occurred at the Sharara field and the Hamada–Zawiya pipeline.

On October 30, 2026, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that an armed group closed a main 18-inch crude oil pipeline valve in the Al-Rayayna area. This closure, affecting the line between the Al-Hamada and Tahara fields and the Zawiya refinery, caused a sharp increase in operating pressure and forced technical teams to halt pumping operations at 12:30 am on Thursday to protect infrastructure. The NOC warned that such actions could result in a loss of approximately 15,000 barrels per day. The corporation described the incident as a direct threat to the safety of oil facilities and the stability of the Libyan economy, urging the Petroleum Facilities Guard to take necessary security measures.

These disruptions follow a pattern of instability, including a September 21 closure at the Sharara field that reportedly caused $95 million in losses, and a previous incident on October 22 involving the same Hamada–Zawiya pipeline. While the NOC previously confirmed the pipeline had been reopened following the October 22 disruption, the recent valve closure has once again halted production.

## Claims

- An armed group closed a valve on the main crude oil pipeline in the Rayayna region. (reported by 5 sources)
- The closure caused a sharp increase in operating pressure. (reported by 5 sources)
- Technical teams halted pumping operations to protect the line and facilities. (reported by 5 sources)
- A prolonged closure could result in the loss of 15,000 barrels of crude oil per day. (reported by 5 sources)
- A similar valve closure occurred on the Hamada-Zawiya line on October 22, 2026. (reported by 4 sources)
- An armed closure at the Sharara field on September 21 caused $95 million in losses. (reported by 4 sources)
- Petroleum Facilities Guard members have been demanding salary increases. (reported by 3 sources)
- The pipeline connects the Hamada field and the Tahara field to the Zawiya refinery. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-31: Libya: Armed group shuts Hamada field to Zawiya refinery pipeline

An armed group closed a critical crude oil pipeline valve in Libya, linking the Hamada field to the Zawiya refinery, potentially causing a loss of 15,000 barrels per day.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/libya-armed-group-closes-oil-pipeline-valve-near-al-hamada-field

### 2026-10-25: Libya reopens Hamada–Zawiya oil pipeline after disruption

Libya has reopened the Hamada–Zawiya oil pipeline after a valve closure at a receiving station disrupted crude flows from the Hamada and Tahara oilfields.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/libya-reopens-hamadazawiya-oil-pipeline-after-disruption

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Cite as: Libya oil infrastructure disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/libya-oil-infrastructure-disruptions