Brega Marketing Company, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) subsidiary responsible for fuel imports and distribution, blamed alleged petrol queues on the February 17th public holiday and the Dafniya roadblock.
The assertion comes after the build-up of petrol queues at some filling stations. Petrol queues are deemed a sign of poor administration and a failure of the state – a throwback to some of the worse days of post 2011 Libya.
The Tripoli-based Aldabaiba government is keen to project an image that Libya has moved on. Brega, therefore, insisted that there is no fuel supply crisis, and that stocks and distribution are normal.
Stocks available and deliveries are normal
Speaking exclusively to Libya Herald today, Brega’s Director of the Media Office, Ahmed Al -Msalati, denied there was a supply crisis. He said there was availability of petrol and diesel in the company’s depots. He added that the supply operations for distribution companies from the company’s depots are running naturally and smoothly, as well as the movement of fuels across the entire Libyan coast continuing at a regular pace.
Brega’s Facebook page transparently reveals its fuel deliveries
It is possible to view through Brega’s official website or its Facebook page all the orders implemented for the distribution companies to provide their affiliated stations, Msalaty said.
News of fuel supply crisis is rumours and false news
As for the reported news of a fuel supply crisis, he said it is just rumours and false news. He said if there is congestion at petrol stations, it is only due to an emergency suspension of distribution to some stations inside and around Tripoli because of the 17th of February (anniversary of the 2011 revolution) holiday that did not exceed one day.
Dafinya roadblock caused shortages in Misrata area and a knock-on in Tripoli area
Regarding petrol stations located within the Misrata region, which are supplied with fuel from the Misrata Oil Depot, starting from Garabulli to Zliten, distribution to petrol stations were stopped in these areas due to the recent closure of the Dafniya checkpoint, he added.
The Dafniya roadblock was reported implemented by militias who were, according to them, owed money by the state.
This, Msalaty admitted, caused knock-on crowding at petrol stations located within the Tripoli distribution area. He said after the Dafniya roadblock ended; distributions restarted without stopping.
Brega is open about reporting distribution problems
In conclusion, Msalaty insisted that if there are problems in the fuel supply, Brega will not delay in detecting them and talking about their causes and when they will end.