TRIPOLI: Libya has deployed special forces to protect petrol stations in capital Tripoli packed by angry motorists trying to refill vehicles, the government said, as the state oil firm struggles to bring in fresh supplies.
In another sign of chaos gripping the major oil producer, power cuts worsened in Tripoli and parts of the country after the state electricity firm said it lacked fuel for several power stations.
Petrol stations in Tripoli have for almost two weeks seen queues stretching for kilometres at times, adding to the frustration of Libyans exhausted by chaos and violence.
The state oil firm says it has sufficient supplies but a lack of security at petrol stations makes it difficult to bring in fresh supplies. Residents say some of the fuel is being sold on the black market. The government agreed with Tripoli’s security headquarters to deploy the Interior Ministry’s special forces to protect petrol stations. Reuters
