Algeria will immediately begin supplying fuel to Lebanon’s power plants, according to reports from Algerian radio, as cited by Reuters.
Lebanon has faced electricity shortages since the 1990s. Last week, Electricité de Liban, the country’s state power utility, announced it had exhausted its fuel reserves, resulting in a nationwide blackout affecting critical infrastructure, including airports, sewage systems, and water pumps.
Algerian news source Al24News reported that Lebanon’s last operational power plant was forced to shut down over the weekend due to a lack of fuel.
Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, following instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, informed Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Algeria’s decision to provide emergency fuel. The move aims to help Lebanon restore electricity amid its ongoing crisis.
Lebanon’s power plants rely on fuel oil, which the country struggles to import in sufficient quantities due to its severe financial and economic challenges. There have also been delays in a fuel import deal with Iraq, attributed to “logistical reasons,” according to Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad.
While Algeria is renowned for its significant natural gas reserves, including the world’s third-largest shale gas reserves, it also produces oil. Algeria is a member of OPEC, with an average daily oil output of around 1.4 million barrels. The government aims to increase this output and has announced $50 billion in oil and gas investments over the next four years.