LOC12:24
09:24 GMT
BEIRUT, Aug 25 (KUNA) -- Lebanon is on the verge of a blackout within three
to four days due to the lack of fuel in most of the power stations here, said
the media Saturday.
As-Safir newspaper stated that Lebanon electricity authorities announced
that several fuel factories had stopped working for financial and security
reasons.
Rationing of electricity consumption began in Beirut and areas in the north
and south regions of the country, with suspension periods reaching over 14
hours a day, the paper said, adding that four containerships filled with fuel
were waiting for permission to unload their cargo.
The newspaper indicated that the ships, docked in Al-Zahrani port 40 days
ago, were costing the treasury a daily burden of over USD 30,000.
A sum of about USD 110 million is needed monthly to pay for fuel from
Syria, supply of which was put on halt over a month ago. Lebanon used to get
about 120 to 140 megawatts from its Arab neighboring state.(end)
oh.gta
KUNA 251224 Aug 07NNNN