Reply #70: Fuel scarce in Misrata after Gaddafi forces rocket depot

[pinboy3niner]

Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:35pm GMT

By Mussab Al-Khairalla


MISRATA, Libya, July 25 (Reuters) - Rebel-held Misrata was running short of fuel on Monday as a fire raged at a storage depot hit by a rocket from Libyan government forces.


More than a day after the strike late on Sunday, thick plumes of black smoke still rose into the sky and choked much of the city, sparking panic-buying by civilians and risking shortages for the rebel forces holding the cut-off town.


Most petrol stations closed, leaving drivers facing lengthy queues in the summer heat at the few that stayed open, with priority given to vehicles used by rebels on the frontline and by the emergency services.


"Patience is good, thank God," said motorist Ismail Mohammed. "We have long queues for petrol now but most people haven't said anything."


Libya's third-largest city, home to around half a million people, has been cut off by land for months from other rebel-held areas further east but has been able to get crucial supplies, including food and fuel, by boat.

...


http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFKHA47580420110725