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Turkey sends more fuel to Libya as rebels advance
Turkey is increasing shipments of diesel to Libyan rebels, effectively joining Qatar and trader Vitol in stimulating the uprising against leader Muammar Gaddafi.
According to reports, Turkey is preparing to deliver a third shipment of fuel to the rebels in the east as part of a multi-million dollar deal.
Last month, Turkey sent two cargoes, amounting to around 10,000 tonnes worth about 10 million dollars, to the cash-strapped rebel government.
This has eased energy shortages and is seen as vital to the struggle against Gaddafi.
Future plans to supply 100,000 barrels
A third cargo has been booked to load on Wednesday about 14,000 tonnes of diesel - more than 100,000 barrels and is likely to reach Benghazi at the end of the month.
The fuel will be supplied by Turkish Petroleum International Company, a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas exploration company Turkiye Petrolleri (TPAO).
The shipments will more than double the volumes sent in the two previous cargoes.
Turkey has a refining capacity of 613,000 barrels per day, which roughly meets its own annual consumption requirements, but it needs fuel imports during peak times including the summer.
This is coming at a time that the rebels are in their strongest position since the uprising began in February against 41 years of Gaddafi rule.
They have advanced into the town of Zawiyah, 50 km west of Tripoli, cutting off Gaddafi's stronghold in the capital from its supply lifeline to Tunisia.
REUTERS/Emma/Williams
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