The Lebanese Ministry of Energy announced on Wednesday that it would stop the delivery of diesel fuel after its stock has declined significantly.
The electrical supply had improved remarkably over the past few days through the main network and private power generators.
However, a statement by the General Petroleum Authority said: “In respect of the blessed holidays and out of national and societal responsibility to provide energy security for citizens throughout Lebanon, the oil facilities in Tripoli and Zahrani secured on Monday until midnight, the local market of diesel in most of its sectors, including bakeries, hospitals, generators, utilities and all public institutions, including the airport, tourist institutions and water institutions.”
It added that the quantities distributed from the two facilities were “estimated at about 14 million liters, equivalent to half the full load of an oil tanker. Those were supplied to 160 distribution companies, exceptionally exceeding the approved margin of quotas.”
According to the Authority, this led to the depletion of most of the stock, in parallel with a lack of credits for the import of additional diesel ships.
The statement noted that “the authority’s role is to regulate the market, adding that it does not bear the burden of covering the unprecedented demand for diesel,” given that its share does not exceed 30% of the total market share, compared to 70% for major import companies that are able cover the existing deficit if they start supplying fuel.
