First tanker docks at Benghazi port since 2014 closure

BENGHAZI: A fuel tanker docked at Benghazi port in eastern Libya on Monday for the first time since being closed in 2014 due to fighting between rival factions.

A tanker arrived from the capital Tripoli carrying 13,000 tonnes of petrol to ease fuel shortages in Libya's second-largest city.

The port does not export oil but imports gas and some petroleum products for domestic consumption as well as general cargo.

Like Benghazi's airport the port had been closed since 2014 because of a conflict between forces loyal to eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar and an alliance of Islamists and other opponents.

Haftar declared victory in July though isolated skirmishes have continued. Benghazi airport reopened in mid-July.