In response to the 4 August port explosion and subsequent aid effort (MEES, 14 August), Iraq is sending Lebanon emergency fuel supplies to boost Lebanese electricity provisions and help stem the humanitarian fallout in Beirut. The first 700,000 liter (4,400 barrel) gasoil shipment arrived 8 August having been transported by 20 tanker trucks via Syria, and Iraq subsequently agreed to provide another consignment (this time 1mn liters) earlier this week.
The fuel is supplying Lebanon’s gasoil-fired CCGT at Zahrani, and whilst modest in volume, will help improve the country’s chronic blackouts that have rendered recovery all the more difficult – particularly in Beirut’s overcrowded hospitals. (CONTINUED - 129 WORDS)