Algeria steps in to aid power-deprived Lebanon with fuel supply
Algeria announced that the country would immediately begin supplying Lebanon with fuel for power plants. A day earlier, Lebanon's state energy company declared that all reserves had been depleted.
Algerian state radio announced that the country would promptly start supplying fuel to Lebanon, which is essential for the operation of power plants there. Algeria's decision was made after Lebanon's state energy company, Électricité du Liban (EDL), stated a day earlier that all available fuel reserves had been exhausted.
Lebanon has no resources to generate electricity
EDL noted that due to the lack of fuel, it would be forced to stop supplying electricity to its customers. This includes critical infrastructure such as airports, as reported by the Reuters agency.
Reuters also recalled that Lebanon has not had a full 24-hour power supply since the 1990s. Transfers from the state budget aimed at covering EDL's "chronic losses" have contributed to the country’s substantial debt.
EDL announced the complete suspension of electricity supplies and assured that deliveries would be gradually resumed as soon as fuel supplies are secured. This could occur through barter exchange.
The Lebanese liquidity crisis began five years ago. Since then, the Lebanese lira has lost over 98 per cent of its value, and the annual inflation rate last year was around 221 per cent. In recent months, household electricity was supplied for about an hour a day.
After EDL announced the power supply suspension, the Lebanese news portal "L'Orient-Le Jour" reported that the water company also announced problems. Due to the difficult situation, it will be unable to supply sufficient water. As a result, it appealed to citizens for maximum conservation. "Citizens are advised to take immediate precautions and limit water usage until further notice," the company stated.
