The Interior Minister in charge of the unity government, Imad Trabelsi, said that Libya has been suffering from a smuggling crisis for about 8 years and pays billions of dollars annually.
Today, Trabelsi added in a press conference that the spread of weapons and the control of armed groups within cities obstructed the work of the committee to address the fuel and gas crisis during previous governments.
The minister stated that smuggling fuel out of the country directly harmed the national economy and that they are continuing to combat smuggling operations, noting that Libya imports 680 million liters of gasoline per month, and citizens stand for an entire day waiting in front of their stations.
Trabelsi explained that the price of a gallon of gasoline on the black market in the south reached 150 dinars, and in the western region it reached 50 dinars.
The minister said that gasoline smuggling has created empires, families, and large organizations, and that there are those who buy the debts of senior state officials.
Trabelsi explained that Libya imports 680 million liters of gasoline per month, and citizens stand for an entire day waiting for it in front of its stations, adding that the fuel situation in some areas of the south is very bad, and the price of 20 liters in the parallel market exceeds 100 dinars, according to him.
Trabelsi said that they had closed gas stations in the past, and that they would open stations according to the needs of the citizen, and any gas station that does not operate or does not adhere to the instructions will be closed.
Al-Tarabulsi reported that the Fuel Crisis Committee has begun its work in the capital, Tripoli, stressing that it will include Al-Zawiya, Misrata, and the areas surrounding Tripoli.
Source: Minister of Interior
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we discuss the pressing issues of our time. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Hala Al-Mansouri, an expert in Middle Eastern political and economic affairs. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Mansouri.
Dr. Hala Al-Mansouri: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Recently, Libya’s Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi highlighted the ongoing smuggling crisis that the country has faced for the past eight years. Can you give us a brief overview of the current state of this crisis in Libya?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Absolutely. As Minister Trabelsi pointed out, Libya has been grappling with rampant smuggling that costs the country billions of dollars each year. The chaos following the 2011 uprising has led to a power vacuum, allowing for the rise of armed groups that control various territories. This fragmentation has made it incredibly difficult to combat the smuggling networks effectively.
Time.news Editor: What are some of the main factors contributing to this persistent issue?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: There are several intertwined factors. First is the proliferation of weapons in the region, which not only fuels violence but also strengthens smuggling operations. Armed groups often operate with impunity, undermining any attempts by the government to establish law and order.
Second, the lack of a unified central authority allows smuggling to thrive. The absence of strong governance enables these groups to leverage their control over the fuel supply, which leads to widespread corruption and economic loss for the state.
Time.news Editor: Minister Trabelsi mentioned that these armed groups are obstructing efforts to resolve the fuel and gas crisis. How does this obstruction manifest in everyday terms for the Libyan population?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: The impact on the everyday life of Libyans is profound. Due to the smuggling, fuel shortages in the local markets occur, driving prices up and creating inequities in access. Citizens often find themselves queuing for hours at gas stations, and many end up paying inflated prices on the black market. It also hampers development projects and public services, leading to further destabilization of communities.
Time.news Editor: Given the complexities of the situation, what steps can the Libyan government take to address these challenges effectively?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: It’s going to be a multi-faceted approach. First, the government must focus on disarming and dismantling armed groups through negotiation and, where necessary, military action. Second, building a robust institutional framework to combat smuggling is essential – that means improving border security, enhancing patrols, and employing technology to monitor fuel transportation.
there needs to be a significant push toward national reconciliation, allowing for a more unified front against these issues. This means engaging local communities and stakeholders to build trust in the government and create legitimate pathways for fuel distribution.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like constructive strategies. With international attention often focused on other conflicts in the region, how important is it for the global community to support Libya’s fight against smuggling and its broader governance issues?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: It is incredibly important. International support can provide Libya with the resources it needs to strengthen its institutional capacities and foster stability. Additionally, a collaborative approach involving regional partners can help curb cross-border smuggling networks that often take advantage of Libya’s porous borders.
Without global support, it will be challenging for Libya to break the cycle of instability and smuggling, which has broader implications not just for its citizens, but for regional security and economic health.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansouri, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that Libya faces significant challenges, but with the right strategies and support, there is hope for resolution. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Thank you for hosting me. I hope for a brighter future for Libya.