Representatives of the Libyan rebels will try to export crude oil for the first time after the uprising against the uprising against dictator Muammar Gaddafi began.

A Liberian-registered tanker by the name of Equator will arrive in the rebel-held eastern Libyan port Tobruk on Monday to load a cargo of Serir/Mesla blend oil, according to the Platts news agency.

"They are coming for sure because there was a contract signed already," Wahid Bougaighis, head of the new rebel-held oil company is reported saying. Last week, the rebels announced they had signed a deal with Qatar on crude oil export.

Earlier on Monday, US accepted NATO's request to extend their participation in the military operation in Libya by 48 hours. Meanwhile, Gaddafi still has control over many parts of Libya despite reports many of his closest circle are defecting and that his envoys are secretly negotiating with western powers.