Lebanon turns to Arab countries for electricity

Lebanese, Egyptian, Jordanian and Syrian Energy Ministers (left to right) in Amman, Jordan, September 8, 2021. REUTERS - ALAA AL SUKHNI

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Lebanon is turning to Arab countries to try to mitigate the effects of the energy crisis which is paralyzing its economy.

Jordanian, Egyptian, Syrian and Lebanese energy ministers agreed on a roadmap on Wednesday to deliver Egyptian gas to Lebanon via Syria and Jordan.

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With our correspondent in Beirut, 

Paul Khalifeh

At a meeting in Amman on Wednesday, the energy ministers of the four countries agreed on a "work plan" to bring Egyptian gas and electricity from Jordan to Lebanon via Syria.

This project is vital for the country of the Cedars.

The State does not provide more than two hours of electricity per day and the private generators, which fill the deficit in

electric current

production

are also forced to drastically ration distribution because of the shortage of fuel oil.

The infrastructure for this project has existed for decades but the war in Syria and the American sanctions, which penalize any economic or commercial cooperation with Damascus, have stopped the import of Egyptian gas.

The ban was partially lifted in mid-August by Washington to bypass Hezbollah's importation of Iranian fuel.

Damascus said it was ready to facilitate the implementation of this project during a visit on September 4 by a Lebanese ministerial delegation.

A first since the start of the war in 2011.

► See also: Unprecedented visit of a Lebanese delegation to Damascus to discuss energy

Lebanon hopes to produce 450 megawatts using Egyptian gas and Jordan's electricity, or a quarter of its needs.

But the rehabilitation of electricity infrastructure in Syria and the repair of the pipeline that carries Egyptian gas, severely damaged during the war, would require months of work.

► To read also: Lebanon: in the north, bakeries close for lack of flour and fuel oil

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  • Lebanon

  • Energies

  • Jordan

  • Syria

  • Egypt