Operations at Libyan oil ports were disrupted by a lack of communications due to the unrest in the country, trade sources said on Tuesday.

'It is impossible to make any sort of physical or verbal contact with the Libyan ports,' said a trader with a company that buys Libyan oil.

'The assumption is that the ports are either already closed or are closing. Everything is out. We can't get through to anyone. Our operations people say contact is impossible with the shipping agents, port officials, anyone. The lines are all down.' – Reuters