The Libyan Public Prosecutor has ordered the pre-trial detention of a senior executive at Brega Petroleum Marketing Company after an investigation uncovered the unlawful sale of more than 22.5 million liters of subsidized fuel to vessels operating under the Turkish flag.
The case is now one of the most significant fuel-misuse investigations launched this year, given the scale of losses incurred by the state and the sensitivity of subsidized fuel distribution in Libya.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, multiple financial and oversight reports revealed clear patterns of misconduct in the handling of subsidized diesel allocated from the state treasury. Investigators found that the actions of the accused directly harmed public funds and undermined citizens’ rights to access fuel at regulated prices, especially during ongoing shortages across several regions.
The investigation confirms that the official facilitated illegal diesel sales to foreign vessels in violation of Libyan laws that restrict the use of subsidized fuel strictly to domestic consumers and approved sectors. Prosecutors documented that 4,208,000 liters were sold in 2023, 10,940,000 liters in 2024, and 7,433,000 liters from a scheduled 17 million liters planned for 2025.
Instead of applying the international market price—set by the Energy and Commodity Information Bulletin at an average of $637.35 per metric ton—the diesel was sold at the domestic price of 150 dirhams, which is reserved exclusively for Libyans. This massive price discrepancy resulted in substantial financial losses and constituted the unlawful diversion of subsidized resources to foreign beneficiaries.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office noted that the extent of the violations, combined with the financial and administrative impact, necessitates the continued detention of the accused pending further interrogation. Authorities are examining whether other officials or external actors played a role in facilitating or benefiting from the illegal fuel sales.
The case forms part of Libya’s broader effort to curb fuel smuggling, strengthen oversight over state-owned energy institutions, and safeguard subsidized commodities from corruption and misuse. Further legal and administrative measures are expected as the investigation progresses.
