Al-Tarabulsi: Urgent solutions will be put in place to address the fuel crisis and its causes will be tackled within days.

Tripoli, September 2, 2026 (LANA) – The Minister of Interior of the Government of National Unity and Head of the Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee, Major General Emad Al-Tarabulsi, affirmed that urgent and clear solutions will be implemented to address the fuel crisis, tackling its root causes and producing practical measures and actionable decisions within days.

This came during his address at a meeting with representatives of oil companies, members of the Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee, and security directors in the western region. The meeting focused on discussing the fuel situation, strengthening distribution mechanisms, ensuring access for citizens, and reducing congestion and violations.

Al-Tarabulsi stated that the fuel crisis requires concerted efforts from the government, the Ministry of Interior, the oil sector, companies, security agencies, regulatory bodies, and citizens, working as a unified system.

He called for prioritizing Libya's interests above personal, tribal, and regional considerations, and for applying the law to everyone without exception, interference, or pressure.

The Minister of Interior added that stability cannot be achieved without a strong and unified national security institution capable of enforcing the rule of law, combating violations and smuggling, and protecting the nation's resources.

Al-Tarabulsi stressed the need to respect the mandate of the committee addressing the fuel crisis and allow it to carry out its duties free from any pressure or interference from any parties, cities, or tribes. He revealed the closure of 490 gas stations that were being used for smuggling operations, as part of a security plan coordinated with security directorates to ensure the availability of fuel for citizens. He also noted that approximately 365 stations are now operational, meeting actual needs.

The Minister of the Interior explained that the systematic smuggling of diesel fuel through the sea and ports has caused shortages, with repercussions on citizens' daily lives. He noted that diesel will be distributed only through gas stations, and efforts will be made to ensure its availability to all stations, facilitating access for citizens and guaranteeing equitable distribution. The Minister pointed to some problems within the National Oil Corporation and oil companies, challenges that have exacerbated the fuel crisis. He stated, "We will continue to combat the manipulation of fuel and diesel and their price hikes on the black market, from which smugglers profit at the expense of citizens and the national economy." He clarified that the Ministry of the Interior and the committee's responsibilities are limited to securing fuel transport and distribution operations, while other problems outside their jurisdiction have contributed to the crisis's escalation.

The Minister warned that anyone who oversteps the committee's authority or interferes with its jurisdiction will face legal action and be held accountable according to the law. He noted the success of security directorates in securing targeted stations, while issues related to supply and transportation fall under the purview of the relevant authorities.

Al-Tarabulsi also stressed that oil company employees must not be subjected to any pressure or interference, as this matter concerns the interests of the state and the rights of its citizens. He called on cities and regions to support and assist the police, enabling them to perform their duty of protecting citizens' security and the stability of their areas. The minister pointed to the exploitation of media and social media by parties linked to smuggling and responsible for exacerbating the crisis, who are using these platforms to distort the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and incite public opinion.

The Minister of Interior affirmed that work will continue around the clock to ensure the smooth distribution of fuel to stations and to enable citizens to obtain it without delay.

...(LANA)...