Libyan rebels will this week load the first tanker with crude since an uprising against leader Muammar Gaddafi fully suspended exports from the North African country, Platts news agency reported on Monday.

The agency said Liberian-registered tanker Equator was due to arrive in the rebel-held eastern Libyan port of Tobruk on Monday to load a cargo of Serir/Mesla blend crude oil.

The agency quoted Wahid Bougaighis, head of the newly established oil company, as saying: "They are coming for sure because there was a contract signed already."

He gave no other details. Reuters could not reach Bougaighis for comment.

The rebel-led government has said it has concluded a deal with Qatar to market crude oil. It also said it is discussing plans to exempt its oil exports from sanctions and has also raised the issue with a U.N. envoy.