On 2 April, the Zawiyya Security Directorate said that it is not responsible for the deterioration of the security situation in the city, saying that combatting the fuel smugglers and black market was the responsibility of the Anti-Narcotics Agency. It said that the Brega Petroleum Marketing Company and the four fuel distribution companies are responsible for addressing fuel smuggling, adding that the Petroleum Facilities Guard is responsible for protecting fuel deliveries to petrol stations. On 2 April, clashes reportedly broke out between two rival groups in the Harsha area of Zawiyya, close to the refinery. Clashes reportedly continued on 3 April.