• Authorities launched an investigation into a pipeline leak following a fire near the Al-Sharara oil field.

• The National Oil Corporation contained the fire with no reported casualties and maintained production levels.

• Al-Sharara, with capacity of about 300,000 barrels per day, remains central to Libya’s output growth strategy.

Libya has opened an investigation to determine the origin of a leak on a pipeline connected to the Al-Sharara oil field.

Local media reported the incident on Wednesday, March 18, after a fire broke out at a valve located in the Al-Hamada region at kilometer 538 along the pipeline route.

This incident marked the first major disruption affecting the field since a shutdown of more than two weeks in January 2024 caused by protests over fuel shortages.

National Oil Corporation deployed technical teams to the site and contained the fire. The company confirmed that no casualties occurred. It also mobilized security and maintenance teams to secure the affected area.

Despite the incident, authorities maintained stable production levels at the Al-Sharara field.

The National Oil Corporation redirected crude flows to alternative infrastructure. It routed volumes through pipelines linking the Al-Feel oil field to the Mellitah terminal and toward storage facilities in Zawiya on the Mediterranean coast.

Authorities stated that the investigation will determine whether a technical failure caused the fire, including potential infrastructure degradation, or whether negligence or sabotage played a role.

Al-Sharara Remains Central to Output Expansion Plans

The Al-Sharara oil field has a production capacity of about 300,000 barrels per day, according to industry data. It represents the country’s largest producing asset.

Authorities rely on this field to support a medium-term production target of 2 million barrels per day, based on official statements reported by the press.

Libya’s production ranged between 1.3 million and 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025, according to official estimates, supported by the restart of major fields and initiatives to optimize existing capacity.

In this context, Al-Sharara plays a critical role in national output plans. Authorities and international partners have identified the field as a priority asset alongside other key deposits.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum