Why gunmen have turned off Libya's oil taps

Armed groups in Libya are currently blocking key oilfields and ports - hijacking the government of its main source of revenue and leading to some fuel shortages and blackouts.

Deputy Oil Minister Omar al-Shakmak admitted the situation was a worry for foreign oil companies which operate the oilfields.However, as Libya has always imported most of its fuel, the frenzied buying is often sparked by rumours of shortages.

But there have also been more electricity cuts in recent weeks.

In the early months of summer, officials blamed the blackouts on fuel-powered generators being stolen and electricity stations being attacked by gunmen.

However, as Libya has always imported most of its fuel, the frenzied buying is often sparked by rumours of shortages.

But there have also been more electricity cuts in recent weeks.

In the early months of summer, officials blamed the blackouts on fuel-powered generators being stolen and electricity stations being attacked by gunmen.