The Tripoli-based Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohamed Aoun, confirmed his support for the development of the Zawia Refinery and its oil port.
The undertaking was made on his visit to the refinery in Zawia yesterday, accompanied by several directors of specialized departments in the ministry, during a meeting with the refinery’s management.
The meeting was to determine the progress of oil operations and as part of supporting efforts and plans to increase production capacity of oil facilities, preserve the environment, in addition to reducing cost without affecting oil industry standards.
Commenting on the meeting, in an exclusive interview with Libya Herald, the Director of the Media Office at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Ahmed Al-Tarhouni, said that the Ministry of Oil is keen to support plans and projects aimed at developing the Zawiya Oil Refinery, within its powers granted to it according to the law. In addition to encouraging approved industrial plans to improve petroleum products and raise their quality. The ministry is also seeking to increase the capacity of the engine oil mixing plant to meet the needs of the local markets and export the surplus.
Former NOC management failed Zawia refinery
Al-Tarhouni referred to the Minister of Oil’s speech regarding the faltering projects of developing the Zawiya Refinery and oil port, which he attributed to the previous management of the former National Oil Corporation, which he described as bad and illegitimate. This, despite the insistence of the Ministry of Oil on activating the projects of developing the Zawiya refinery and port as a basis for increasing the production of petroleum products to reach the stage of satisfying local market needs and export the surplus abroad.
Developing Zawia refinery and its port are a strategic project
The Minister of Oil stressed the acceleration of the implementation of the Zawiya Refinery and Port development projects, as they are important strategic projects that serve the oil and energy sector in Libya and provide new job opportunities for graduates, including engineers and technicians. In addition, they open a new door for the state’s hard currency revenues, with the refinery’s contribution to reducing the import of petroleum products, fuel and mineral oils from abroad.
Al-Tarhouni added that the Minister of Oil praised the efforts made by the refinery management and its workers to maintain production at good rates according to the available capabilities, as well as preserving the surrounding environment in accordance with the requirements and standards approved in Libya and the world.
Implementation time plan being developed by NOC
Regarding the start date for implementing the projects to develop the Zawia Refinery and Oil Port, Al-Tarhouni said a time plan will be announced soon developed according to the priorities in modernizing the refinery, as well as developing the oil port, in accordance with what is approved by the National Oil Corporation. This will come after the completion of all engineering and technical plans for development and modernization operations that are in line with the latest global technologies and systems and consistent with the highest international standards.
