Rival Libya administration threatens to block oil exports

People gather at The Martyrs’ Square to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Libyans’ 17 February Revolution in Tripoli, Libya on February 17, 2020 [Hazem Turkia / Anadolu Agency]

The head of Libya’s east-based administration threatened, Saturday, to block oil and gas exports from territory under its control, claiming the UN-recognised government in Tripoli was wasting energy revenues, Reuters reports.

According to the report, the head of Libya’s east-based administration, Oussama Hamad, said in a statement that he had “frozen” 2022 oil revenues “equivalent to more than 130 billion dinars (around $27 billion)”, as a first step.

The east-based government, which does not recognise the authority of the Government of National Unity based in Tripoli, is ready for more steps, including an oil blockade, and would seek a legal ruling, Hamad said.

“We are ready to raise the red flag, stop … the export of oil and gas and declare force majeure,” said Hamad, who was appointed in May by the east-based Parliament.

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