The state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya said on Thursday that suspension of oil exports has caused losses of nearly 5 billion U.S. dollars.
"The total losses of the current suspension (of oil exports) have amounted to 4,943,976,768 U.S. dollars, which is impossible to compensate from the reserves," NOC said in a statement.
"This amount could have covered part of the state's expenses, such as salaries, fuel subsidies, dealing with a coronavirus pandemic crisis and others," it added.
NOC called for resuming oil exports "to support the national economy and protect it from consequences of bankruptcy and dependence on foreign banks."
Tribal leaders in eastern Libya closed oil ports and fields in January, accusing the Tripoli-based UN-backed government of using oil revenues to support armed groups against the east-based army.
Libya's oil production was estimated at 1.3 million barrels a day before the shutdown.
The east-based army has been attempting to topple the UN-backed government and take over the capital Tripoli by leading a military campaign since April 2019, which killed and injured hundreds of civilians and displaced more than 150,000 others.
Editor:Cherie
