Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Soudani has committed to supplying Lebanon with fuel for the next six months in a recent phone conversation with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The Iraqi Premiership released a statement confirming the promise, highlighting the importance of ensuring a stable supply of fuel to generate power in Lebanon, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the Lebanese power sector.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the agreement extends the existing arrangement established in July 2021, where Iraq agreed to provide Lebanon with heavy fuel oil in exchange for medical services for Iraqi citizens. This arrangement has been vital for Lebanon, which has been struggling with frequent fuel shortages that impact its ability to provide consistent electricity to its citizens.
During the call, Prime Minister Al-Soudani also condemned the recent Israeli occupation attack on Beirut's suburbs, expressing solidarity with Lebanon. Speaker Berri, in turn, thanked Iraq for its continued support, emphasizing the significance of the fuel supply in alleviating some of Lebanon's power supply issues.
Lebanon currently implements a daily electricity rationing program, providing power to its population for only a few hours each day. The country's electricity sector is in urgent need of reform, and the regular supply of fuel from Iraq is crucial in mitigating the immediate challenges faced by the sector.