Libya is beginning to suffer from a gasoline deficit caused by sea blockades imposed by a Western-led campaign against strongman-leader Muammar Gaddafi, a state oil corporation official said on Monday.
“The aggressor’s troops do not let oil tankers enter Libyan ports,” the source told the Jana news agency. “Libyans cannot fill their cars.”
Libya’s energy sector has also been badly damaged by fighting between rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces that has been raging in the country since mid-February.
Libya is a major global oil exporter but is fully dependent on imports of oil products.
The ongoing conflict has pushed up global oil prices to well over $100 a barrel.
NATO took control on Sunday of a coalition campaign to ensure a no-fly zone and arms embargo in Libya.
The rebel army, which has been fighting pro-Gaddafi forces since mid-February, has made rapid advancements into the west of Libya since the mission began on March 20.
CAIRO, March 28 (RIA Novosti)