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Zelten Oil Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Zelten oil field, now officially known as the Nasser field, is a site of immense historical and economic significance located in the northeastern Sirte Basin of Libya. Discovered in 1959 by Esso (now ExxonMobil), it was the country's first major commercial oil discovery, fundamentally altering Libya's economic trajectory. Within just a few years of its discovery, the nation transitioned from an impoverished agricultural society to one of the world's leading oil exporters. The field is situated about 170 kilometers south of the Gulf of Sirte and is linked to the Marsa Brega port via a 110-mile pipeline, which was the first of its kind in Libya. At its peak production levels in the 1960s, Zelten produced hundreds of thousands of barrels per day, providing the bulk of the country's national revenue. Today, the field is operated by the Sirte Oil Company, a subsidiary of the National Oil Corporation. Although it is a mature field, it remains a vital component of the energy landscape, utilizing enhanced recovery techniques to maintain output.

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	13	17	21	25	28	29	29	28	23	17	13
Rain mm	7	6	2	1	1	0	0	0	1	3	2	6

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Zelten Oil Field (also called Nasser Field) was one of the first major commercial oil discoveries in Libya in 1959. It played a crucial role in the rise of Libya's oil sector and still produces crude oil.

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Visiting

The oil field is located in a remote desert region and is not open to the public. Visitors can see the site from nearby roads or from the air during an overflight, but entry is not permitted.

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Where to view it

The best public view is from the desert road that passes along the edge of the field, where the drilling rigs and pumping stations are recognizable. There are no elevated viewpoints in the area, but the flat landscape allows for wide views.

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Local products

The main product is crude oil, which is not sold directly to travelers. In nearby oasis towns like Ajdabiya, visitors can buy typical Libyan products such as dates, olives, and handwoven carpets.

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Active season

Extraction occurs continuously throughout the year, without seasonal interruptions. Maintenance work is typically carried out during the cooler winter months, but production remains largely constant.

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Nearby

A visit to the Zelten Oil Field can be combined with exploring the nearby oasis of Ajdabiya and its markets. The Libyan desert with its sand dunes and historic caravan routes also lends itself to a desert tour.

Geography

Coordinates

28.62000, 19.86000

Facts

Zelten was the first giant oil discovery in Libya, made in 1959.
It was discovered by Esso and later renamed the Nasser field.
The field is located in the northeastern portion of the Sirte Basin.
A 110-mile pipeline connects the field to the terminal at Marsa Brega.
Oil exports from Zelten officially commenced in October 1961.
The field is currently operated by the state-owned Sirte Oil Company.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Waha Oil Field40 km · EExplore →

Wadi al-Farigh129 km · NWExplore →

Awjila Old Mosque150 km · EExplore →

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

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zelten historically important?

It was the first major oil discovery in Libya, found in 1959.

Who owns the Zelten field today?

It is operated by the state-owned Sirte Oil Company.

Can tourists travel there?

There is no tourist infrastructure; travel is mostly for business purposes.

How far is it from the coast?

It is located about 200 kilometers south of the Marsa al-Brega terminal.

Are there accommodations for visitors?

Guesthouses are only available within the closed camps of the oil companies.

Zelten Oil Field: where is it located?

Zelten Oil Field is located in Libya.

Zelten Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?

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

Zelten Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?

The Zelten oil field, now officially known as the Nasser field, is a site of immense historical and economic significance located in the northeastern Sirte Basin of Libya.

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