Abi Khalil Says Funds Provided for Fuel Barges, ‘No Extra Power Cuts’

Caretaker Energy Minister Cesar Abi Khalil said on Monday that additional power cuts feared to hit Lebanon as the result of failure to provide necessary funds for purchasing fuel have been resolved.

"I have notified President Michel Aoun that the power barges will start supplying fuel as of today; and there will be no electricity cuts," Abi Khalil told reporters following a meeting with President Michel Aoun at Baabda palace.

A blackout was feared as Zouk and Jiyyeh power plants were expected to turn off this week.

Abi Khalil informed Aoun of the solution reached to fulfill the country's fuel needs and the measures that had been taken to curb the electricity crisis.

The Minister also indicated that he had updated the President about the Algerian side's readiness to continue providing the needed fuel supply.

"The President appreciated the Algerian position and contacted Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, who in turn, highly valued the initiative of Sonatrach company," Abi Khalil said.

Lebanon has been contending with rolling blackouts since the days of its 1975-1990 civil war. Successive governments have failed to agree on a permanent solution for the chronic electricity failures, largely because of profiteering, endemic corruption and lack of political will.