Libya Fuel Shortages Cause for Concern

On Monday, Libya’s NOC said it is concerned about a likely fuel shortage in the coming days after the forced reduction of local production, the Zawiya refinery shut down and the lack of funding to import sufficient fuel to serve the basic needs of Libyans. Oil and gas production in Libya have been consistently down as a result of the illegal blockade of oil facilities. The current levels of production are 114,331 b/d, as of Sunday March 8, 2020. Forced restriction of production has resulted in financial losses exceeding US$2,932,005,883 since January 17, 2020.

For now, NOC continues to supply hydrocarbons to all regions in sufficient quantities to meet the transport and domestic needs of citizens. However, some fuel storage levels are running low and next week some areas are at risk of shortages. A gasoline tanker started discharging at Benghazi port Monday, while an LPG tanker is expected to arrive Tuesday.

Tripoli storage depots and some of the surrounding areas and Southern regions are suffering from a lack of supplies due to the deteriorating security conditions. The city of Tripoli is supplied with hydrocarbons directly from the Tripoli port. As part of its commitment to transparency, the NOC will continue to publish data on fuel stocks in Libya as well as details of shipments, to inform citizens of fuel availability in their area.