Explosions have rocked Libya's strategic oil town after forces supporting leader Muammar Gaddafi bombed the complex, in an attack against rebels.

The attack on the Es Sider terminal in the eastern part of Libya, which is controlled by the opposition, was the first against an important oil facility since the uprising in the country began last month, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

Explosions also rocked a hospital and a mosque, sending clouds of dust to cover dozens of worshipers at noon prayers.

A rumor through the crowd of fighters, worshipers and medics stated that the bombs have been unleashed by naval vessels off shore, but no such ships could be seen in the waters.

The Libyan state television blames the explosion on the rebels were allegedly supported by militants from the al-Qaeda terrorist network, CNN informed.

According to the International Energy Agency, Libyan oil production has fallen from 1.58 million to about 500 000 barrels a day.

"With the violence escalating, it was a question of time when oil facilities would be drawn into the fighting," said Samuel Ciszuk, Middle East energy analyst.

However, according to Shokri Ghanem, Chair of Libya's National Oil Corporation, the explosion affected only a 200 000 barrels diesel storage facility.

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