Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayyad, has underscored the critical role of fuel imports in sustaining Lebanon’s energy needs, particularly for key sectors such as transport, heating, and electricity. He, therefore, emphasized the need to maintain continuous fuel shipments via sea to ensure the country's energy stability.

Speaking to The New Arab media platform, Fayyad highlighted Lebanon’s reliance on international diplomatic efforts to keep vital energy routes open, while preventing any disruption from Israeli actions.

“Currently, Lebanon maintains fuel reserves for up to two weeks, with regular replenishments as new shipments arrive,” he explained.

Fayyad also provided an update on Lebanon’s ongoing energy supply agreements, notably with Iraq. He revealed that the deal for the supply of heavy fuel oil from Iraq had been renewed twice and that Lebanon was working to extend the agreement for a third term.

"We have been in contact with the Iraqi government, which expressed willingness to continue the arrangement during Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s recent visit to Baghdad," he said.

The Iraqi support, Fayyad noted, has been instrumental in securing Lebanon’s energy needs over the past three years, enabling the country to maintain electricity supply to vital sectors. In addition, he acknowledged Algeria’s recent assistance, which included sending a free fuel shipment to Lebanon's Electricité du Liban (EDL) when the country faced a severe shortage.

“We deeply appreciate the support of Algeria, whose solidarity underscores the strong fraternal ties between our two nations,” Fayyad stated.

Fayyad also shared insights into the Ministry's long-term strategy for the country’s power sector, which he described as a top priority since his appointment.

“We have developed a comprehensive plan for the electricity sector, which has received approval from the World Bank. Despite facing financial, administrative, and political challenges, the plan has led to the first financial balance in decades for Electricité du Liban,” he said.

Fayyad reaffirmed that despite the current challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Israel, efforts are underway to maintain adequate electricity supply and increase the number of hours when possible. He paid tribute to the workers of Electricité du Liban, some of whom were killed while performing their duties in repairing infrastructure damaged by Israeli airstrikes.

Regarding private electricity generators, Fayyad reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fair and transparent pricing, expressing hope that the Ministry of Economy would support the enforcement of these rates to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. He also highlighted the success of the new tariff system for public electricity, which includes subsidizing the first 100 kilowatt-hours at a rate of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. He noted that the recent displacement of many Lebanese citizens has reduced electricity consumption in several areas, allowing for surplus power to be redistributed to other regions, increasing supply in these areas.

Finally, Fayyad reported that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon has caused substantial damage to the country’s infrastructure. The estimated cost of the damage stands at approximately $480 million, with $320 million attributed to the energy sector and $160 million to the water sector. These figures have been submitted to the Paris Conference, held in support of Lebanon, for further documentation and assistance.