Kester E.
Lebanon was plunged into darkness after the country’s two main power plants ran out of fuel.
The power outage is expected to last “several days” after Al Zahrani and Deir Ammar power plants stop working after diesel reserves were seemingly depleted and power production fell below 200 megawatts (which is just enough to power about 5,000 households).
A government official said the power outage could last all weekend, leaving the population of about six million people in total darkness.
The official said;
‘The Lebanese power network completely stopped working at noon today, and it is unlikely that it will work until next Monday, or for several days.’
Power cuts have been a problem in Lebanon since the 15-year civil war ended in 1990, and the small country relies heavily on imported fuel. Many citizens depend on private diesel generators, although these are also rare.
There were power outages throughout September due to the fuel shortage which in recent months has forced many businesses to close and left people relying on the black market.
This occurrence is part of a wider economic and political crisis impacting all aspects of daily life in Lebanon
