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Gaddafi’s controlled region of Libya under shortages- UN
United Nations fact-finding mission reveals that Muammar Gaddafi’s controlled region is in serious wreck of shortages in fuel, food and cash in spite of a deceptive normalcy.
In a Monday statement, UN said its one week mission to the country had revealed lack of fuel, increasing food prices, a tensed medical system, and cash crunch as some of the problems bedeviling Gaddafi's government.
Humanitarian Coordinator, Laurence Hart, said "Although the mission observed aspects of normalcy in Tripoli, members identified pockets of vulnerability where people need urgent humanitarian assistance."
UN sanctions
Gaddafi's regime is under UN sanctions, making the importation of fuel and goods difficult and at least 30 countries have recognized the rebels as the country's legitimate representatives.
The UN said the country's medical system is under strain not only because of casualties from the fighting with rebels but the departure of thousands of foreign health workers.
Acute fuel crisis
Acute fuel crisis is also a major problem, with endless queue around petrol stations despite a fuel rationing system.
According to UN, Libyan experts claim that supplies might run out in two weeks.
Gasoline and other products are currently imported or smuggled through Tunisia and neighboring Algeria. Libya’s working refineries do not have enough capacity to meet daily demand.
Food and cash shortages
It is expected that the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan starting on Monday, will likely compound the country's food shortages.
UN said that after many Libyans withdrew their savings at the start of the crisis, banks were also restricting the amount of cash people could withdraw.
AP/Emma/Williams
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