Written by financial analyst Khaled Al-Zantouti
The National Oil Corporation has just issued a statement confirming that the value of imported fuel for July exceeded $1 billion.
This figure has now become a reality, not merely an estimate, particularly because it was issued by the official Libyan authority responsible for the sector.
At this point, the pens dry up and the newspapers are raised.
Power outages now exceed an average of 12 hours per day, with the main excuse being the lack of diesel.
There are queues for gasoline, with the excuse being the lack of gasoline—and the lack of electricity.
According to some information, diesel is available at wholesale prices of 7–8 dinars, while gasoline is also available, but at exorbitant prices.
Surely, this is the same fuel imported by the NOC, not fuel smuggled in from Nigeria or Algeria. So how did it reach those people?
Gentlemen, this is a state—or rather, a quasi-state—where smuggling, theft, and illicit trade flourish.
Do you really think that an ordinary, struggling citizen could engage in this organized, cross-border smuggling operation involving ships and organized transportation fleets?
Absolutely not.
Those capable of doing so are the people with the power, authority, and resources to carry it out.
They are the people at the front of the line—the very people supposed to protect the system but who are benefiting from it. I do not mean everyone.
Gentlemen, the average monthly value of smuggled fuel exceeds 50% of imported fuel, amounting to more than $550 million per month, or approximately 5 billion dinars.
This would be enough to build around 20,000 apartments every month, assuming an average construction cost of 1,500 dinars per square meter for a 150-square-meter apartment.
In other words, with the value of monthly fuel smuggling, we could build around a quarter of a million apartments every year, providing free housing for a quarter of a million families annually. We could even distribute free housing to our African guests.
So, are we living in a state or a quasi-state?
Even drones have now begun striking oil storage facilities, apparently as a means of harming rivals.
It is a case of “if I go down, my enemies go down with me,” while the citizen is caught in the middle.
What kind of state is this, with thousands of people holding ranks and medals, portraying themselves as warriors on battlefields between rival brothers, equipped with the latest weapons and equipment?
Where are they when it comes to protecting the country’s borders and sovereign security?
Are they asleep, or are they partners in this? I do not mean everyone.
Is this not a state of incompetence and thuggery?
I have nothing more to say except the words of God Almighty:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
We pray to Almighty God that we regain our reason and set our affairs right. Indeed, He answers prayers.
