On 11 August, Government of National Unity (GNU) PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba reportedly urged the implementation of a package of measures within 72 hours to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis. He did so during a meeting involving the ministers of the Interior and of Oil and Gas, the NOC leadership and that of the Brega Petroleum Marketing Company. Dabaiba declared that resolving the issue is a top priority for national security and economic stability. According to reports, among his key decisions were the immediate distribution of fuel from storage depots, the activation of a digital tracking system for transport tankers, tighter controls to prevent smuggling, and ensuring diesel supplies for vital facilities and the electricity sector
The AG’s Office reported on several anti-smuggling activities:
• On 13 August, members of the Special Task Force coordinated by the AG’s Office arrested three fuel smuggling suspects west of Misrata.
• On 14 August, the Judicial Control Affairs Unit was able to identify and locate a ring of fuel smuggling suspects in the Al-Mutrad area of the western Zawiyya municipality. This resulted in the seizure of 42,000 litres of diesel fuel loaded in fixed containers.
• On 16 August, 20,000 litres of diesel fuel were seized in the Naima area of Zliten municipality.
• On 17 August, the Unit inspected two locations in the Sidra and Al-Jadidah areas of the Ajilat municipality, seizing 86,000 liters of gasoline and diesel fuel.
As of 19 August, the fuel shortages in western Libya appear to have eased off. There are still queues at many petrol stations, but they are at a more ‘normal’ level.