The financial expert Khaled Al-Zantouti wrote:
“Events in the oil sector are unfolding at an unprecedented pace, marked by decisions, circulars, investigations, and an accompanying media storm whose credibility remains unclear. Since the sudden resignation (or dismissal) of the head of the oil corporation, developments have unfolded as though in a horror movie. When mismanagement and corruption reach the lifeline and sustenance of Libyans, the pens run dry, and the papers are set aside!
When billions of dollars from oil sales are not deposited into the Central Bank’s account (a topic we’ve addressed months ago), their whereabouts remain unknown, and no one provides an answer! When billions are funneled into a barter system without explanation, clarity, or accountability, no one provides an answer!
When our crude oil prices show a negative deviation of $4 per barrel compared to Brent crude, despite the fact that some of our oil fields produce higher-quality crude than Brent and our geographic proximity to consumer markets, no one explains why!
When we read about judicial investigations into corruption in certain companies within the sector, the truth remains elusive! When we discover that 40% of our imported oil through barter deals is being smuggled to Malta, Italy, and neighboring countries, no one tells us who is responsible or how it’s happening!
Faced with these catastrophes, one can only lament the state of the oil sector—the lifeblood upon which all Libyans rely!
When blatant audacity, betrayal of trust, corruption, and mismanagement reach such levels, all we can do is pray to the Almighty to grant us an Umar ibn al-Khattab with his justice, and a Hajjaj with his sword, to uphold truth and eradicate falsehood! Enough is enough—this suffering, this fragmentation, and this corruption. You have truly reached the “living flesh.” Isn’t this reckless exploitation of Libyans and their resources enough? We pray for your guidance!
At that moment, an elderly man whispered in my ear, “Truly, as the saying goes: the protector is the thief.” I replied, “Don’t generalize—there are still some sincere individuals striving for reform as best they can!”
