During a meeting with the head of the interim government, Najib Mikati, Fayad highlighted the crucial role of Algeria in the current situation, mentioning that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, upon learning of the seriousness of the crisis, instructed to provide support.
On this point, he specified that Algiers, which already supplies gas to most European countries, could provide Lebanon with a part of this resource, which would help reduce electricity costs in the national territory.
On this issue, he expressed his hope that this cooperation with Algeria is only the beginning of a deeper relationship, especially in the energy sector.
Incidentally, the Algerian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, pointed out on this date that his country does not want to see Lebanon in complete darkness and is currently looking for the fastest way to send fuel to Lebanon.
In this same line of collaboration, Minister Fayad thanked Iraq’s recent commitment, both at governmental and popular levels, to continue the supply of heavy fuel oil to Lebanon. The authority pointed out that Iraq expressed its willingness to increase the quantities planned for this month, from 100,000 to 125,000 tons, with the loading scheduled for August 26.
On this point, Fayad stressed the need to diversify fuel supply sources to avoid future crises and mentioned the possibility of implementing a crude oil exchange agreement with the sister nation.
Regarding the gradual reactivation of the electricity supply, the holder informed that 200 megawatts are currently available thanks to the diesel reserves obtained through a loan from the oil facilities, which will allow maintaining the situation until the end of the week.
In addition, a new shipment is expected to arrive from Egypt on August 26, which will increase the generation capacity to 600 megawatts, allowing a stable supply between five and six hours a day.
On this point, he anticipated a significant improvement starting next week, especially with the start-up of the Zouk and Jiyeh plants, which will add an additional 200 megawatts to reach a total of 800.
The authority added that, the fourth unit of the Deir Ammar and Zahrani plants could increase power by another 200 megawatts.
In his meeting with the Chief Executive, Minister Fayad expressed his desire to intensify cooperation to achieve greater stability and diversification in the supply of electricity.
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