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Sharara Oil Field

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—°1
Sharara Oil Field (Libya)

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The Sharara Oil Field is Libya's largest petroleum concession, located deep within the Murzuq Basin in the country's southwestern Sahara Desert. It is operated by Akakus Oil Operations, a joint consortium between the National Oil Corporation and international partners including Repsol, OMV, and TotalEnergies. Sharara is an invaluable asset to the Libyan economy, accounting for a substantial portion of the nation's total daily oil output. The high-quality light, sweet crude (Esharara Blend) produced here is transported via a dedicated 700-kilometer pipeline to the Zawiya refinery on the Mediterranean coast. Because of its remote location and immense economic leverage, the field is frequently targeted by localized blockades and armed groups, posing recurrent challenges to national energy security. Ensuring continuous production at Sharara remains a fundamental prerequisite for Libya's long-term economic recovery and financial stability.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101318242831323230241812
Rain mm3321411003323

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Sharara oil field in the Murzuq Desert is one of Libya's largest and most productive oil fields. It plays a central role in Libyan oil production and exports.
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Visiting
The oil field is a strictly secured industrial area and not accessible to the public. From a great distance, however, the flares and facilities can be seen on the horizon.
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Where to view it
From the desert road that passes near the field you have a distant view of the facilities. The best perspective is from the edge of the Murzuq Basin.
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Local products
In the Murzuq region crude oil is extracted, which is transported via pipelines to export terminals. On local markets, however, direct products from the oil field are hardly available.
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Active season
Extraction runs around the clock, all year round. Strong fluctuations occur due to political or operational interruptions, typical for the Libyan oil industry.
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Nearby
Combine a visit to the region with exploring the Murzuq Desert and the historic city of Sabha. The rock paintings in Tadrart Acacus are also worth seeing.

Geography

Coordinates
26.58000, 12.87000

Facts

  • Libya's largest oil field, with a production capacity of roughly 300,000 barrels per day.
  • Discovered in 1980 within the remote southwestern Murzuq Basin.
  • Operated by Akakus Oil Operations (NOC, Repsol, OMV, and TotalEnergies).
  • The field holds estimated recoverable reserves of over 3 billion barrels.
  • A 30-inch diameter pipeline connects the field to the coastal port of Zawiya.
  • Located approximately 800 kilometers southwest of the capital, Tripoli.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Awbari (Ubari)Awbari (Ubari)9 km · WExplore →
Ubari Sand SeaUbari Sand Sea15 km · NWExplore →
Wadi al-AjalWadi al-Ajal16 km · SEExplore →
Germa (Garama)Germa (Garama)20 km · EExplore →
Mandara LakesMandara Lakes34 km · EExplore →
Wadi al-HayatWadi al-Hayat38 km · WExplore →
Gaberoun LakeGaberoun Lake41 km · NEExplore →
El Feel Oil FieldEl Feel Oil Field41 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sharara Oil Field (1)

germa gegema gerama pyramids📍 landmark

These ancient stone pyramidal structures are the remnants of Garamantian royal tombs rising from the desert landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sharara Oil Field?
It is the largest oil field in Libya, located in the Murzuq Basin in the southwest.
Is visiting the oil field allowed?
Visits are only possible with special permits for professional personnel.
Who operates the Sharara oil field?
It is operated by Akakus Oil Operations, a consortium involving Repsol.
Are there tourist attractions in the desert nearby?
The spectacular Ubari Lakes in the middle of the Sahara are located in the region.
What is the climate like there?
There is an extreme desert climate with very hot days and cool nights.
Sharara Oil Field: where is it located?
Sharara Oil Field is located in Libya.
Sharara Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
Sharara Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Sharara Oil Field is Libya's largest petroleum concession, located deep within the Murzuq Basin in the country's southwestern Sahara Desert.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Murzuq — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Murzuq
An oasis town deep in the southwest, once a major center of the trans-Saharan trade.
Al Qatrun — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Al Qatrun
A small but strategically important outpost on the route towards Chad.
Awbari (Ubari) — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Awbari (Ubari)
An important hub in the Sahara, famous for the surrounding sand dunes and lakes.

History & landmarks

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Al-Asmariya Mosque
An important spiritual center in Zliten dedicated to Islamic scholarship.
Al Khums Lighthouse — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Al Khums Lighthouse
A prominent lighthouse at the port of Al Khums, guiding shipping along the historic coast.
Waw an Namus — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Waw an Namus
A unique volcanic crater in the Sahara featuring deep black ash and three vibrant lakes.

Nature

Mandara Lakes — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Mandara Lakes
A group of salt lakes in the desert.
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Wadi al-Hayat
A desert valley in the Sahara.

More places

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El Feel Oil Field
The El Feel field, also known as the Elephant field, is a major source of Libyan crude oil from the southwestern desert.
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Murzuq Old Fort
A ruin of a massive Ottoman fort in the Fezzan, once a key bastion for trans-Saharan caravans.
Ubari Sand Sea — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Ubari Sand Sea
A large area with sand dunes.
Wadi al-Ajal — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Wadi al-Ajal
A long valley in Fezzan.
Germa (Garama) — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Germa (Garama)
The ancient capital of the Garamantes, a people who controlled the Saharan trade routes in antiquity.
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Gaberoun Lake
A salt lake in a sand desert.
Gargaf Desert — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Gargaf Desert
The desert areas around the Gargaf Mountains.
Fezzan Desert — Sharara Oil Field (Libya)
Fezzan Desert
A large desert region in the southwest.