In written comments to Bloomberg, Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar said he has not interest in controlling Libya’s oil industry.
Bloomberg reported that Haftar said the state oil company in Tripoli has the sole right to sell the nation’s crude.
The National Oil Corp., or NOC, in Tripoli has the “exclusive” right to export Libya’s crude, Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar said in a written response to questions from Bloomberg News. His remarks are telling because at one stage last year, he briefly handed control of key ports to another NOC based in the east of the country.
Haftar pledged to continue to protect oil facilities while urging the state oil producer not to use its resources to “support terrorists and armed militias, and to avoid interfering” with his army or working against it. He denied accusations that his forces seized NOC airports, while retaining the right to use them if needed.
Libya is producing about 1.3 million barrels of oil a day, according to Mustafa Sanalla, the chairman of the NOC, the highest level in six years. He has repeatedly warned of a potential collapse in output due to the conflict.
Via Bloomberg
