Pro-Gaddafi forces are pushing back in an assault towards Ras Lanuf. Heavy fighting has been reported around Sidr on the road between Ras Lanuf and the government-controlled town of Sirte.
At the time of writing, four oil storage units are on fire close to the road between Sidr and Ras Lanuf. The circumstances of the blaze are not known. These units are separate from the refinery at Ras Lanuf.
Meanwhile, the lack of maintenance and technical expertise at key refineries will continue to compromise their performance. Earlier Wednesday, a source from security consultancy firm AKE witnessed black smoke emitting from one of the chimneys at the refinery in Ras Lanuf, which could indicate damage and/or declining performance at the facility.
A meeting of Arab League officials, originally scheduled for Friday 11 March, has been postponed until Saturday. Leaders are expected to address the steps necessary for the implementation of a no-fly zone over Libya.
