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Zawiya Oil Refinery
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The Zawiya Oil Refinery is located on the northwestern coast of Libya, about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli. Commissioned in 1974, it is operated by the Azzawiya Oil Refining Company, a subsidiary of the National Oil Corporation (NOC). With a processing capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels per day, it serves as a vital facility for supplying the domestic market with essential fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The refinery primarily sources its crude oil from the Sharara field in the Murzuq Basin via a long-distance pipeline. The complex also features an integrated port terminal used for the export of refined products and the handling of chemical shipments. Despite regional instability, the refinery has remained a strategic cornerstone of the Libyan economy, ensuring energy security for the capital and surrounding areas. It also houses specialized units for producing lubricants and asphalt to meet local infrastructure needs.
- Location: Libya
- Nearby: Surman (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 20 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 29 | 29 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 28 | 34 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Zawiya Oil Refinery is one of the most important processing facilities in Libya, supplying fuel to large parts of the country. It converts crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products for domestic use and export.
Visiting
The refinery is a heavily secured industrial site, not open to the public. Visitors can view the facilities from a distance via public roads in the area, particularly from the coastal road.
Where to view it
A suitable viewpoint is the coastal road (Corniche) west of Zawiya, where the refinery's towers and flares are visible. From the road passing the main gate, one can catch a brief glimpse of the site.
Local products
The refinery mainly produces gasoline, diesel, and LPG, but these are not sold directly to travelers. At local fuel stations and markets in Zawiya, these fuels as well as typical Libyan food items are available.
Active season
The refinery operates continuously throughout the year, with maintenance typically scheduled during periods of lower demand. There are no seasonal fluctuations in the sense of a harvest season; production is steady.
Nearby
A visit to the refinery can be excellently combined with the nearby Zawiya Port, which ships the exported products. The city of Zawiya, with its traditional souk and old town, also features a cultural exploration.
Geography
Facts
- The refinery was officially inaugurated in the year 1974.
- Its total refining capacity stands at 120,000 barrels per day.
- The site is positioned approximately 40 kilometers west of Tripoli.
- It is managed by the state-owned Azzawiya Oil Refining Company.
- Crude oil is supplied via pipeline from the southwestern Sharara field.
- The facility produces a significant portion of Libya's domestic fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Zawiya refinery located?
On the Mediterranean coast, about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli.
What is produced in Zawiya?
Gasoline, diesel, and kerosene for the Libyan domestic market.
Can the refinery be visited?
No, it is a critical infrastructure with no public access.
What is the best time to visit the city of Zawiya?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures on the coast.
Are there beaches nearby?
Yes, west of the industrial zone, there are several coastal stretches used by locals.
Zawiya Oil Refinery: where is it located?
Zawiya Oil Refinery is located in Libya.
Zawiya Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Nov.
Zawiya Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Zawiya Oil Refinery is located on the northwestern coast of Libya, about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli.
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History & landmarks
Zawiya Grand Mosque
A significant Islamic structure and religious center in the coastal city of Zawiya.
Tripoli Stadium
A large multi-purpose stadium used for football matches and athletics competitions.
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Dat El Imad Towers
A complex of five high-rise towers located in the central business district of Tripoli.
More places
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Zawiya Port
Zawiya Port primarily serves the export of refined petroleum products produced at the nearby refinery.
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Zawia Agricultural Zone
A significant area for farming.
Sabratha
An ancient city on the Mediterranean coast featuring an impressive Roman theater and beautiful mosaics.
Al-Azizia Farmland
Fertile farmland south of Tripoli.
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Kosti Nile Park
A riverside park in Kosti for children.
White Nile Orchards
Fruit orchards along the White Nile.
Tripoli Zoo
A significant park with a variety of animals.