The East Libyan government has announced it may prevent oil shipments if the deals are negotiated through Tripoli, Bloomberg reported.

Libya has been divided into two rival governments for more than a year after the Islamist-leaning General National Congress (GNC), refused to step down from power after the eastern-based House of Representatives (HOR) was elected.

The GNC is based in the former capital Tripoli, while the HOR is in the eastern town of Tobruk.

The National Oil Company (NOC), has similarly split, with both sides appointing their own ministers to head the company.

The East Libya government has attempted to lure oil majors away from Tripoli, and has announced a conference to sign contracts with oil companies in Malta. Most oil companies are expected to continue working through Tripoli, as international law and the UN have been vague about the legitimacy of bypassing the institution.