Lebanon plunged into darkness on August 17, 2024, as the country’s last operational power plant in Zahrani shut down due to a complete depletion of fuel reserves. The state-owned Electricité Du Liban (EDL) announced a total blackout across the nation, affecting critical infrastructure including Beirut’s international airport, seaport, water pumps, sewage systems, and prisons.This power crisis is not an isolated incident but a symptom of Lebanon’s ongoing economic struggles. The country has faced similar blackouts in recent years, with power supply in Lebanese cities reduced to 2-8 hours a day since 2019, down from the previous 12-18 hours. The current situation is particularly severe, as it marks a complete cessation of state-provided electricity.Energy Minister Walid Fayad stated that restarting the power plants could take between 24 and 48 hours once fuel supplies are restored. The Lebanese government had previously announced that a new shipment of fuel could arrive by August 20. In the meantime, residents have been urged to conserve water, as the South Lebanese Water Authority warned that even private generators would not be sufficient to maintain normal water supply.This crisis underscores the deep-rooted issues in Lebanon’s energy sector and the broader economic challenges facing the country. With a daily electricity production capacity that has dwindled from 1600-2000 megawatts to unprecedented low levels, Lebanon’s power infrastructure struggles to meet basic needs. The situation is further complicated by the government’s financial difficulties, which have hindered its ability to secure foreign currency for fuel imports.
Key points
- Lebanon experienced a complete nationwide power outage on August 17, 2024, due to fuel shortages.
- The blackout has affected critical infrastructure including airports, seaports, water systems, and prisons.
- This crisis is part of Lebanon’s ongoing economic struggles, with power supply issues dating back to 2019.
- The government expects new fuel shipments by August 20, but restarting power plants could take 24-48 hours.
Contradictions👾While most sources agree on the severity of the situation, there are slight discrepancies in the reported timeline for power restoration.
Some sources mention August 20 as the expected date for fuel arrival, while others quote the Energy Minister saying power restoration could take 24-48 hours once fuel is secured.
