Gaddafi imports more fuel, Turkey, Georgia deny role

* Gasoline vessel due to arrive in Libyan port this weekend

* Fuel imports vital for Gaddafi’s government

* Tanker loaded in Turkey, origin of gasoline unclear

* Turkey and Georgia deny role in sale

(Adds comment from Georgian official in paras 7 and 8)

By Emma Farge and Jessica Donati

LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) – The Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi will receive fresh fuel supplies by buying a cargo that recently visited Turkish and Georgian ports, but both states denied involvement in the transaction.

Libya, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is reliant on imports for fuels such as gasoline, even in peacetime, because of insufficient refining capacity. Now civil war has crippled the refining industry, Gaddafi urgently needs fuel imports for military purposes and to keep civilian vehicles running in the areas he controls.

AIS live ship tracking data showed the Libyan-flagged oil products tanker Cartagena was heading from the Turkish port of Mersin to Zawiyah in west Libya.

via UPDATE 2-Gaddafi imports more fuel, Turkey, Georgia deny role | Energy & Oil | Reuters.