CAIRO (AP) — Libya’s National Oil Corp. says the country’s largest export terminal has begun loading a tanker destined for Italy, its first shipment after a yearlong blockade over disputes between the central government and rebels.

The corporation said on its website the tanker has been loading 600,000 barrels since early Wednesday. Disputes over oil between the weakened central government, rebels demanding a share and protesting workers demanding better pay had knocked the country’s regular production of 1.6 million barrels of oil per day production down 80 percent. Exports were halted as rebels took control of major ports.

Corporation spokesman Mohammed al-Harari says production is up to 560,000 barrel per day.

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