Economic woes cloud Ramadaan in Libya

LIBYANS have been enjoying Ramadaan with feasts and fireworks - but soaring prices, a devalued currency and political divisions have left many with little to celebrate.

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PEOPLE gather at the Martyrs' Square in Libya's capital Tripoli to mark the 15th anniversary of the uprising against former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi's regime. AFP

(AFP)

Fifteen years on from the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country remains split between east and west, while shortages of goods, including fuel, disrupt daily life, despite Libya sitting atop vast oil and gas reserves.

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadaan, shoppers stock up on treats, as families gather for lavish meals before and after the daytime fast that stretches from sunrise to sunset.

But this year supermarkets have been rationing their goods, while many petrol stations are short of gas. In the capital Tripoli, most ATMs were out of cash this week.