Algeria ships 30,000 tons of fuel to power-starved Lebanon
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Loading... - Johannes Gray
- 23 Aug 2024
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In a much-needed gesture of support, Algeria has shipped 30,000 tons of fuel to Lebanon, which has been grappling with severe power shortages and economic crisis for years. The Algerian oil tanker set sail on Thursday, aiming to restart turbines and provide relief to the power-hungry nation.
Lebanon's situation has been exacerbated by clashes between the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group and Israel since October, adding to the country's political instability, economic collapse, and routine power blackouts. The country's state-run electricity company had announced that its turbines would stop functioning due to a lack of fuel, leaving Lebanese citizens reliant on small private generators and accustomed to power cuts lasting almost an entire day.
Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui informed his Lebanese counterpart, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, of the decision to provide fuel to Lebanon, following a directive from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This initial shipment is expected to be followed by additional deliveries, although details have not been disclosed.
Algeria, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is not the only country to offer support to Lebanon. Iraq, another OPEC member, had agreed to provide Lebanon with one million tons of fuel in exchange for in-kind services in August 2022. This deal enabled Lebanon's power stations to produce one to two hours of electricity per day.
The fuel shipment from Algeria brings a glimmer of hope to the people of Lebanon, who have been struggling with power shortages and economic instability for years. As the country continues to navigate its challenges, this support from Algeria and other regional partners may help alleviate some of the pressure and provide a much-needed respite for the Lebanese people.
