The head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Mustafa Sanallah, accused some parties of placing their interests and those of foreign countries above the favor of the Libyan people, stressing it is making every effort to alleviate the plight of Libyans.

"The illegal closure of oil facilities has depleted the fuel importing budget and disrupted the state's economy which in turn affected the living conditions of the population," a statement by the NOC said.

The NOC described the illegal oil blockade as a criminal act, indicating it came at a time the country is suffering from an epidemic outbreak and its consequences thereof.

It also pointed out to some outlaw groups who "smuggle fuel and make money at the expense of the Libyan people", calling on the authorities to tighten control on borders and bring the perpetrators to justice.