The Minister of Interior in charge of the National Unity Government, Imad Trabelsi, spoke about developments in the work of the Committee to Address the Fuel and Gas Crisis.
Trabelsi said in a press conference: “Fuel smuggling created wealthy families in Libya,” saying: “The issue of gasoline created empires, families, and large organizations, and there are those who buy the debts of senior officials in the state,” adding: “The arrangements of the Ministry of Interior regarding regulating fuel distribution do not target a tribe.” Or a specific city,” and Trabelsi added: “Libya consumes more than 680 million liters of gasoline per month.”
The minister explained that “Libya has suffered from fuel smuggling operations over the past years, which cost it dearly as a result of the subsidies provided on fuel.”
He pointed out that “smuggling has greatly affected the Libyan economy, stressing that we cannot remain silent about this phenomenon. Rather, the problem is great and we must continue working to solve it.”
He pointed out that “the spread of weapons has contributed significantly to the increase in fuel smuggling operations over the past years, and added that the committee is continuously working to monitor fuel distribution operations and secure stations by the security directorates.”
Al-Trabelsi spoke about “the price of a barrel of fuel on the black market reaching 120 Libyan dinars in southern Libya,” stressing that the chaos that prevailed in recent years was a major reason for the increase in smuggling operations. However, he added that, thanks to God, and then the efforts of the committee, they were able to eliminate On many smuggling cases.”
He explained, “The work is currently focusing on the city of Tripoli, with plans to expand the work in the regions and cities adjacent to the capital. He stressed that the committee’s work is not linked to tribalism or regionalism, but rather aims to serve the nation and provide fuel for citizens.”
Regarding the provision of fuel, Al-Trabelsi said: “A number of gas stations have been closed in several areas, while open stations were monitored to ensure the availability of fuel,” stressing that the situation has improved significantly compared to the past. He added that the committee was able to save 380 million liters of fuel from The original amount is 680 million liters.
He reassured citizens that “fuel-related crises will not occur in the future, thanks to the action plan and strict procedures followed in fuel distribution.”
The Minister also touched on “the improvement of the situation at gas stations in the Western Mountain regions, as he indicated that all stations are working and have fuel.”
He also reviewed “the Ministry’s plan, which includes the axes of border security, combating immigration, combating drugs, and combating crime, and announced work on establishing a morality police, calling on citizens to cooperate with the police and security forces.”
He added, “Security arrangements to evacuate the capital, Tripoli, are still ongoing, with notable success achieved despite some obstacles. He stressed that the capital, Tripoli, is for everyone and not restricted to anyone, and the law must be strictly implemented.”
He stressed “the need for everyone to stand seriously to serve the country and build the future to achieve security and stability.”
#Now | A press conference by the Acting Minister of the Interior, Major General Imad Trabelsi, to review the latest developments in the work of the Committee to Address the Fuel and Gas Crisis. #OurGovernment #Libya #National_Unity_Government
Posted byOur governmentIn Wednesday, November 6, 2024
It is noteworthy that during the press conference of the Minister of the Interior in charge and the head of the Committee to Address the Fuel and Gas Crisis, Major General Imad Mustafa Trabelsi, the monitored gas stations in several cities and regions in the western region were reviewed, as the pictures showed the stations almost empty, with no crowding and the availability of fuel in them normally. .
Last updated: November 6, 2024 – 20:30
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Major General Imad Trabelsi
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Major General Trabelsi. The recent updates from your office regarding the fuel and gas crisis in Libya have been quite insightful. Can you start by summarizing the main objectives of your committee in addressing this critical issue?
Imad Trabelsi: Thank you for having me. Our primary objective is to effectively regulate the distribution of fuel and combat the widespread fuel smuggling that has plagued Libya. This issue has not only hurt our economy but has also created significant wealth disparities, giving rise to empires built on smuggling. We aim to create a fair distribution system that serves all citizens without targeting specific groups, tribes, or cities.
Editor: You mentioned that fuel smuggling has created wealthy families and organizations within Libya. How does this situation impact the national economy and everyday citizens?
Trabelsi: It profoundly impacts our economy. For instance, Libya consumes over 680 million liters of gasoline every month, and the subsidies we provide on fuel are being abused. These smuggling operations divert funds that could otherwise support public services and infrastructure development. The chaos this has caused disrupts everyday life for citizens who are affected by fuel shortages and inflated prices.
Editor: You highlighted the connection between weapon proliferation and fuel smuggling. Can you elaborate on how this relationship exacerbates the problem?
Trabelsi: Certainly. The spread of weapons in recent years has provided a means for smugglers to operate more freely. With armed groups involved, it becomes increasingly difficult to enforce law and order, allowing smuggling operations to flourish. Our committee actively works with security directorates to monitor fuel distribution, ensuring that stations are secured against these criminal activities.
Editor: The black market price of fuel reaching 120 Libyan dinars in southern Libya indicates a significant disparity. What measures are you taking to address this price volatility?
Trabelsi: We are intensifying our efforts to monitor fuel distribution closely, focusing particularly on Tripoli for now, but we plan to extend our operations to surrounding regions. We’ve also managed to save 380 million liters of fuel from the original 680 million that were supposed to be distributed. Our rigorous action plan and established protocols are designed to stabilize fuel availability and eliminate future crises.
Editor: You mentioned improvements in the gas station situation, especially in the Western Mountain regions. What steps have you taken to ensure fuel availability in those areas?
Trabelsi: We have initiated a thorough inspection and monitoring process for gas stations across various cities. Many previously closed stations have been reopened, and we have ensured that all operational stations have fuel available. These improvements are vital for restoring citizens’ trust and ensuring that they have access to their essential needs.
Editor: Moving beyond fuel, your ministry is also looking at broader security issues, including combating drugs and crime. How do you see these areas interlinked with fuel distribution?
Trabelsi: They are intricately connected. The illegal fuel trade often intersects with drug trafficking and organized crime, creating a web of illegal activities that undermine our national security. By tackling fuel smuggling, we also weaken the lifeline that supports these other criminal enterprises. Our comprehensive approach is to enhance border security and law enforcement in a unified manner.
Editor: Your recent comments express a commitment to include all citizens in the security arrangements for Tripoli. Why is this inclusiveness critical at this time?
Trabelsi: It is essential because Tripoli is the capital and should represent all Libyans. The law must be applied uniformly, without exception. Our aim is to create a stable environment where everyone feels safe and valued, encouraging citizens to cooperate with security forces rather than view them as an adversary.
Editor: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the citizens of Libya as you pursue these reforms?
Trabelsi: I urge our citizens to remain steadfast in supporting our efforts toward national unity and stability. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face. It’s crucial for everyone to participate in building a secure future for Libya, as security and stability are vital for our nation’s growth and development.
Editor: Thank you, Major General Trabelsi, for your time and insights today. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that emerge from your committed efforts.
Trabelsi: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the platform to share our initiatives, and we remain hopeful for the future of Libya.