Libya’s Presidency Council (PC) announced the dissolution of the Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee and the sacking of its head, Milad al-Hajrasi, on Monday.
The PC also transferred all the committee’s authorities to the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
The decision raised controversy about claims that the Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee was removed because of its success in curbing smuggling.
In a statement to 218, Hajrasi asserted he will abide by the PC’s decision.
He said he understands the head of the Government of National Accord, Faiez Sarraj, was “under pressure” to take that decision, and he [Hajrasi] is fully aware of the chaos and protests that hit neighboring countries due to his committee’s anti-smuggling efforts of fuel and goods.
Hajrasi added the committee has rejected temptations and bribes during its mandate, noting that smuggling costs the country more than LYD 3 billion annually.
He said he “does not hate” Tunisia, Malta, or any other country, but he views preserving and defending the Libyan resources as his duty.
Since the Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee was established in early 2017, many smuggling attempts have been thwarted and huge quantities of goods and fuel were retrieved.
Media reports claimed that France and Tunisia are attempting to get in the way of the anti-smuggling efforts of the Libyan Fuel and Gas Crisis Committee in fighting the growing phenomenon of fuel and goods smuggling from Libya to neighboring countries via land border crossings and to other countries via sea.
