Libya's National Oil Co (NOC) has claimed a United Arab Emirates tanker has brought in a cargo of jet fuel in breach of a United Nations embargo.
The Tripoli-based producer said it had informed the UN, the country's Government of National Accord (GNA) and other governments of the "illegal shipment".
In a direct criticism of the UAE, the company said the import was a clear violation of UN resolutions and Libyan laws under an arms embargo
NOC has an internationally agreed exclusivity relating to fuel imports.
The state-controlled outfit claimed the cargo arrived in the eastern port of Benghazi on the 13,000-dwt Gulf Petroleum 4 (built 2009).
AIS data shows it was aiming to reach Benghazi on Monday. But there has been no update from the vessel since 10 March.
In September 2019 the UAE signed an international statement saying it fully supported NOC as the country’s "sole independent, legitimate and non-partisan oil company".
The buyer of the jet fuel cargo is not known.
But NOC hinted it believed it was destined to supply eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar, whose forces have been attacking the capital since last April.
'Other purposes'
"Despite extreme hardships caused by illegal blockades on Libya’s oil facilities, NOC has been able to supply sufficient fuel to all parts of Libya, including the eastern regions to meet all civilian needs, including civil aviation," NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla said.
"The only reason I can think of for additional fuel to be imported in this illegal and clandestine way is that it is intended for other purposes."
The vessel is listed as operated by Gulf Shipping Services of the UAE, which could not be contacted.
Clarksons lists its protection and indemnity insurer as Norwegian club Gard, which told TradeWinds it does not insure the vessel.
Eastern tanker export terminals were shut down in January by Haftar as part of the country's civil struggle.
This has cost NOC more than $3bn in lost revenue.
And on Monday, all ports were closed for three weeks to prevent coronavirus reaching Libya.
