---
title: "Libya reopens Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline after five-day closure"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/business/libya-reopens-sharara-zawiya-oil-pipeline-after-five-day-closure"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/libya-reopens-sharara-zawiya-oil-pipeline-after-five-day-closure"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/business/libya-reopens-sharara-zawiya-oil-pipeline-after-five-day-closure.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/libya-reopens-sharara-zawiya-oil-pipeline-after-five-day-closure"
category: "Business & Economy"
published: "2026-09-27T14:25:18.010Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-27T13:39:07.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-27T14:25:18.010Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-27T15:00:17.111014+00:00"
---

# Libya reopens Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline after five-day closure

*National Oil Corporation announces resumption of pumping following disruption by armed group, with estimated $95 million in losses.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the National Oil Corporation of Libya and the UN Support Mission in Libya.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates facts from comment and provides specific details about the pipeline and its closure.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language used is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or manufactured urgency.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced the reopening of the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline on Saturday night.
- The pipeline had been closed for five days by an armed group, disrupting oil production.
- The closure is estimated to have cost Libya $95 million.
- The UN Support Mission in Libya warned that attacks on energy infrastructure could lead to sanctions.

Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Saturday night that the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline has been reopened. The pipeline, which connects the Sharara oil field to the port of Zawiya, had been closed for five days by an armed group. The disruption is estimated to have cost Libya $95 million.

The closure of the pipeline led to a significant reduction in oil production. The NOC also announced the shutdown of one of its refining units at the Zawiya refinery due to the continued closure of the pipeline valve by armed groups. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a warning that actions targeting or undermining the country's energy infrastructure could be grounds for sanctions under UN Security Council resolutions.

## Disagreement on who closed the pipeline

Reports differ on the specific group responsible for closing the pipeline. In.gr stated that an armed group closed the valve, but did not provide details on their identity or demands. The National, citing the NOC, reported that armed groups belonging to the Petroleum Facilities Guard were responsible. Arab News also cited the NOC, stating the closure was by armed groups belonging to the Petroleum Facilities Guard.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mention the specific armed group responsible for closing the pipeline, nor do they mention the Petroleum Facilities Guard. None of the centre-rated reports mention the Petroleum Facilities Guard. None of the right-rated reports mention the specific demands of the armed group that closed the pipeline.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 16 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 19% (3)
- Centre: 25% (4)
- Right: 56% (9)

30 of 46 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-27T15:00:17.111014+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-27T16:00:14.766Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on the reopening of the pipeline and the financial impact of its closure. In.gr reported that the NOC announced the reopening of the pipeline, which had been closed for days by an armed group, and estimated the cost at $95 million. Aljazeera.net stated that Libya resumed oil pumping after a five-day closure that caused $95 million in losses, with technical teams gradually returning flows. SANA reported that a refining unit at the Zawiya refinery was forced to shut down due to the continued closure of the raw spark transmission line.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted the UN's warning about potential sanctions and the financial losses incurred. The Economic Times and Times of India both led with the UN Support Mission in Libya's warning that attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger sanctions, noting the Sharara-Zawiya pipeline remained closed, causing crude production and revenue losses. Portfolio reported that production restarted at the Sharara field after an armed group closed a valve, paralyzing operations for five days. The National reported that losses at Libya's NOC reached $95 million as the Zawiya refinery shut down, with the company warning of wider economic harm.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the reopening of the pipeline and the UN's warning regarding sanctions. NOS reported the reopening of the important oil pipeline after its closure by an armed group. Arab News and Anadolu Ajansı both highlighted the UN mission's warning that actions undermining Libya's oil infrastructure could lead to Security Council measures, noting the Sharara-Zawiya pipeline's closure was causing significant losses. Protothema reported the reopening of the pipeline after being closed by an armed group, causing $95 million in damage. Free Malaysia Today News and Arab News also reported that Libya's NOC shut down a Zawiya refinery unit due to the forced pipeline closure, with the NOC warning of impacts on state oil revenue and the national economy. Globo reported the Libyan oil company paralysed a Zawiya refinery unit due to the forced closure of the Sharara pipeline.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 5
- high: 8
- unknown: 30
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Forbes España](https://forbes.es/ultima-hora/1030161/reiniciado-el-bombeo-de-crudo-en-un-oleoducto-desde-el-principal-yacimiento-de-petroleo-de-libia) — Restarted Oil Pumping in a Pipeline From Libya's Main Oil Field
- [diarioestrategia.cl](https://diarioestrategia.cl/texto-diario/mostrar/6030095/reiniciado-bombeo-crudo-oleoducto-desde-principal-yacimiento-petroleo-bloqueo-armado) — Restarted Oil Pumping in a Pipeline From the Main Oil Field Following an Armed Blockade
- [tpo.nl](https://tpo.nl/2026/09/27/libie-sharara-pijpleiding-heropend-olie) — Libya: Sharara Oil Pipeline Reopened After Blockade
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/ethnika-themata/7391513_libyi-anoixe-xana-krisimis-simasias-agogos-petrelaioy-anasa-gia-tin-eyropi) — Libya: Critical Oil Pipeline Reopens – “Breath” for Europe
- [Unknown](https://epiloges.tv/livyi-anoixe-xana-agogos-petreleou-ton-opoio-eixe-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group
- [rthess.gr](https://rthess.gr/kosmos/livyi-anoixe-xana-agogos-petrelaiou-ton-opoio-eiche-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group
- [Utusan Online](https://utusan.com.my/luar-negara/2026/09/saluran-paip-minyak-libya-dibuka-semula-selepas-disekat-kumpulan-bersenjata) — Libya Oil Pipeline Reopens After Being Blocked by Armed Groups
- [NOS](https://nos.nl/artikel/2632696-voor-libie-belangrijke-oliepijpleiding-heropent-na-sluiting-door-gewapende-groepering) — Important Oil Pipeline for Libya Reopens After Closure by Armed Group
- [Unknown](https://dimokratia.gr/kosmos/750457/livyi-epanaleitoyrgei-o-stratigikos-agogos-petrelaioy-sarara-zaoyigia) — Libya: Strategic Sharara-Zawiya Oil Pipeline Reopens
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1331033/livyi-anoikse-o-aghoghos-petrelaioy-poy-ikhe-klisei-enopli-omada-zimia-95-ek) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Closed by Armed Group Reopens - $95 Million in Damage
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/un-mission-warns-disruption-to-libya-oil-infrastructure-could-trigger-sanctions-3000407) — UN Mission Warns Libya's Disruption of Oil Infrastructure Could Lead to Sanctions
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/09/27/livyi-anoixe-xana-agogos-petrelaioy-ton-opoio-eiche-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group
- [cna.com.tw](https://cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202609270031.aspx) — Armed Groups Blockade Libyan Oil Pipelines; State-Owned Oil Company Announces Resumption of Operations
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1885292/xananoixe-o-agogos-petrelaiou-sti-livui-pou-eihe-kleisei-enopli-omada-zimia-95-ekat-dolarion) — Libya Oil Pipeline Reopens After Being Closed by Armed Group, Causing $95 Million in Damage
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/kosmos/story/1766178/livyi-epanaleitourgei-o-agogos-petrelaiou-sarara-zaouigia-meta-to-bloko-enoplon) — Libya: Sharara-Zawiya Oil Pipeline Reopens After Armed Blockade
- [onlarissa.gr](https://onlarissa.gr/2026/09/27/livyi-anoixe-xana-agogos-petrelaiou-ton-opoio-eiche-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group - ONLARISSA.GR News Larissa
- [www.ertnews.gr](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/diethni/livyi-anoikse-ksana-agogos-petrelaiou-ton-opoio-eixe-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/liviya-vosstanovila-rabotu-nefteprovoda-ot-esh-sharary-k-ez-zavii) — Libya Has Restored the Al-Sharara Pipeline to Al-Zawiyah
- [zougla.gr](https://zougla.gr/kosmos/livyi-epanaleitourgei-o-petrelaiagogos-sarara-zaouigia) — Libya: Sharara-Zawiya Oil Pipeline Reopens
- [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/09/27/world/livyi-anoikse-ksana-agogos-petrelaiou-ton-opoio-eixe-kleisei-omada-enoplon) — Oil Pipeline Reopened After Being Closed by Armed Group
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/234541_libyi-epanaleitoyrgei-agogos-petrelaioy-meta-apo-diakopi-logo-enoplon) — Libya: Oil Pipeline Shut Down by Gunmen Reopens
- [hathalyoum.net](https://hathalyoum.net/articles/4237836) — Libya Has 48 Billion barrels... Why Lose Its Oil Production?
- [Le Figaro](https://lefigaro.fr/international/libye-reouverture-de-l-oleoduc-charara-zawiya-apres-cinq-jours-de-blocage-20260926) — Libya: Charara-Zawiya Pipeline Reopened After Five Days of Blockade
- [Al Bawaba](https://albawaba.com/ar/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A5%D8%BA%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-1637854) — After Heavy Losses on Its Closure, Libya Announces the Resumption of the Pumping of the Ore.
- [aljazeera.net](https://aljazeera.net/ebusiness/2026/9/26/%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a7-%d8%aa%d8%b3%d8%aa%d8%a3%d9%86%d9%81-%d8%b6%d8%ae-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%81%d8%b7-%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%ad%d9%82%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a9) — Libya Resumes Oil Pumping From the Spark Field After It Stops Costing $95 Million.
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/libya-da-noc-6-gundur-kapali-serare-zaviye-boru-20274379-haberi) — In Libya, NOC Announced that the Sharara-Zawiya Pipeline Valve, Which Had Been Closed for Six Days, Has Been Reopened.
- [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20260926/ujraindult-a-termeles-a-fegyveresek-altal-megbenitott-afrikai-olajmezon-865436) — Production Restarts at African Oil Field Paralyzed by Militants
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-warns-actions-undermining-libyas-oil-infrastructure-could-trigger-security-council-measures/4070389) — UN Warns Actions Undermining Libya's Oil Infrastructure Could Trigger Security Council Measures
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4019796/libui-epanaleitourgei-o-agogos-petrelaiou-sarara-zaouigia-meta-ti-diakopi) — Libya: Sharara-Zawiya Oil Pipeline Resumes Operations After Interruption
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/business/energy/un-mission-warns-disruption-libya-oil-infrastructure-could-trigger-sanctions-2026-09-26) — UN mission warns disruption to Libya oil infrastructure could trigger sanctions
- [infomoney.com.br](https://infomoney.com.br/mundo/missao-da-onu-alerta-para-sancoes-em-caso-de-interrupcao-de-infraestrutura-da-libia) — UN Mission Alerts to Sanctions for Libyan Infrastructure Disruption
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/un-mission-warns-disruption-to-libya-oil-infrastructure-could-trigger-sanctions/articleshow/134508233.cms) — UN mission warns disruption to Libya oil infrastructure could trigger sanctions
- [The Economic Times](https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/un-mission-warns-disruption-to-libya-oil-infrastructure-could-trigger-sanctions/articleshow/134508233.cms) — UN mission warns disruption to Libya oil infrastructure could trigger sanctions
- [LibyaReview](https://libyareview.com/68585/sharara-pipeline-shutdown-costs-libya-95-million-in-five-days) — Sharara Pipeline Shutdown Costs Libya $95 Million in Five Days
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/middle-east/libyas-noc-shuts-zawiya-refinery-unit-due-to-forced-pipeline-closure-3003282) — Libya’s NOC shuts Zawiya refinery unit due to forced pipeline closure
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/d55e9c3afe94acd0) — UN mission warns disruption to Libya oil infrastructure could trigger sanctions
- [Terra](https://terra.com.br/noticias/mundo/missao-da-onu-alerta-que-interrupcao-de-infraestrutura-petrolifera-da-libia-pode-acarretar-sancoes,7b3f0b4ddac6876ddfe6d8f9b6b07f1cr2t1jjd8.html) — UN Mission Warns that Disruption of Libya's Oil Infrastructure May Result in Sanctions
- [SANA](https://sana.sy/economy/2590327) — Oil Libyan: Stopping the Refining Unit at the Corner Refinery Due to the Continued Closure of the Spark Line
- [Globo](https://valor.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2026/09/26/companhia-de-petrleo-da-lbia-paralisa-unidade-da-refinaria-de-zawiya.ghtml) — Libyan Oil Company Paralyses Zawiya Refinery Unit
- [The National](https://thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/09/26/losses-at-libyas-noc-hit-95m-as-zawiya-refinery-shuts-down) — Losses at Libya's NOC hit $95m as Zawiya refinery shuts down
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/perturbaciones-infraestructura-petrolera-libia-dar-lugar-sanciones-onu-20260926-835463.html) — Disturbing Libya’s Oil Infrastructure Could Lead to Sanctions: UN
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2026/09/26/libya-s-noc-shuts-zawiya-refinery-unit-due-to-forced-pipeline-closure) — Libya’s NOC shuts Zawiya refinery unit due to forced pipeline closure
- [Al-Shorouk](https://shorouknews.com/news/view.aspx?cdate=26092026&id=c8bff7b7-777b-472c-86a3-e824dc18fa28) — Libyan Oil Foundation: Stopping a Refining Unit in the Al-Zawya Refinery Forced by Armed Groups - Al-Sharq Al-Shawq Gate
- [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%B3%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%85) — The Libyan Petroleum Corporation Stopped the Corner Refinery Refining Unit Due to the Closure of the Pipeline
- [Unknown](https://arraedlg.net/2026/09/26/%d9%85%d8%a4%d8%b3%d8%b3%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d9%81%d8%b7-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d9%82%d8%a7%d9%81-%d9%88%d8%ad%d8%af%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d9%83%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a8%d9%85%d8%b5%d9%81%d8%a7%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84) — Oil Corporation: Stop the Corner Filter Refining Unit Due to the Shutting Down of the Spark Line Valve
- [eanlibya.com](https://eanlibya.com/%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%B3%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B7-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D9%85%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2) — The Oil Company Stops a Refining Unit in the Corner Filter and Warns of the Fallout.

## Questions

**What happened to the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline?**

Libya's National Oil Corporation announced on Saturday night that the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline had been reopened. The pipeline had been closed for five days by an armed group, disrupting oil production and causing an estimated $95 million in losses.

**Who closed the pipeline and why?**

Reports indicate that an armed group closed the pipeline. Some reports, citing the NOC, specify that armed groups belonging to the Petroleum Facilities Guard were responsible. The specific demands of the group have not been detailed in the coverage.

**What are the estimated financial losses from the pipeline closure?**

The closure of the Sharara-Zawiya oil pipeline for five days is estimated to have cost Libya $95 million. This disruption also led to the shutdown of a refining unit at the Zawiya refinery.

**What warning has the UN issued regarding Libya's energy infrastructure?**

The UN Support Mission in Libya has warned that attacks targeting or potentially damaging Libya's energy infrastructure could lead to sanctions under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This warning was issued as the pipeline remained closed.

---

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