FX.co ★ Libyan rebels sell crude oil to DPRK

The lack of government control and civil war in Libya led to the annexation of one of the eastern key sea ports Es Sider by separatists. Now, the rebels have organized unauthorized oil deliveries via the important transport artery. Sources familiar with the situation told about a large supply of fuel to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Reports from Es Sider say North Korea's fuel tanker Morning Glory has arrived in the port and ready to load crude. The country’s government confirmed the information that the ship is in Es Sider, but emphasized that any trading operations with the Libyan separatists are illegal. Thus, the authorities relieve themselves of the responsibility for actions of both sides before the international observers. Pyongyang does not comment on the situation as it reckons that the sanctions are unlawful, and it does not obey them. The environment in Libya is unstable and the government in Tripoli does not have total control over the country. Separatists seize ports and petroleum plants. Last autumn, rebels even registered their own company Libya Oil and Gas Corp and announced broad plans on crude oil export. However, there are very few willing to cope with the company even despite its effective marketing, discounts, and payment deferment. All concluded deals are considered under-the-table. The Libyan crude oil transportation is a risky enterprise as the tanker can be commandeered easily. The DPRK accepts the risk as the energy purchases is the main expenditure of the country. Last year, it bought 578,000 tons of oil from China.