The so-called ‘‘Oil Crescent Movement’’ has blockaded this morning the oil ports of the eastern region, under the control of Khalifa Hafter.
Reports say the Alpha Finlandia oil tanker was prevented from entering the Sidra port to load 600,000 barrels of oil this morning.
The movement say they have suspended all export operations in the ports of the Oil Crescent, in addition to the ports of Hariga and Zueitina.
These are: Waha Oil Company, Zueitina Oil Company, Harouj Oil Company, and Sarir Oil and Al-Mabrouk Oil company.
Grievances – move oil jobs and oil company headquarters to the east
The group has threatened to shut down oil exports from the east previously. They are demanding the relocation of the management of five Libyan state oil companies from Tripoli to the eastern Oil Crescent area.
The say their region is a pillar of the national economy but suffers from neglect and marginalization. They are calling for justice in the distribution of resources and improving the living conditions of the residents of the Oil Crescent. They have expressed their dissatisfaction with the failure of any responsible party to respond to their demands.
This evening, Libyan media reports say the protestors have ‘‘suspended their blockade to give the Tripoli government more time to meet their demands’’.
Why now?
The blockade has raised eyebrows in western Libya, with the obvious question of why now? There is much speculation as to why.
It will be recalled that Khalifa Hafter holds total control on military, economic and social life in eastern Libya. There can be no demonstrations or civil activity without his consent.
This raises the question of why has Hafter instigated/allowed this oil blockade? And why now? Oil is high politics for Hafter and the peace agreement that ended his war on Tripoli included a quid pro quo that Hafter will not stop the flow of oil.
Hafter pressure: The new permanent NOC Chairman?
Some analysts suspect that the blockade could be linked to the forthcoming appointment of a permanent chairman of the National Oil Corporation. It will be recalled that the outgoing chairman, Farhat Bengdara was deemed as Hafter’s man. He resigned on 17 January, ostensibly due to health reasons, and Masoud Suleiman Mousa is holding the fort as Acting Chairman.
This blockade could be a means of pressure on Western Libya to ensure his man is appointed as the new permanent NOC chairman.
