Iran Set to Keep Supplying Shortages-Hit Lebanon With Fuel - Sputnik International

Tehran is ready to ship more fuel to Lebanon, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, who expressed the willingness of the Islamic republic to alleviate the "suffering of the Lebanese people".

    "We sell our oil and its products based on our own decisions and the needs of our friends. Iran is ready to send fuel again to Lebanon if needed," Khatibzadeh said.

Lebanon has been suffering fuel shortages for weeks caused by the country's two-year-long economic crisis which has been exacerbated by political turmoil, a failing government, the raging coronavirus pandemic and a massive blast that took place in Beirut's port last year.

The government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been unsuccessful so far in resolving the fuel shortage problem caused by petroleum smuggling, hoarding of fuel, and Beirut's inability to buy more because of the failing economy and lack of funds. In addition, despite continuing protests over shortages, the government chose to end subsidies for fuel products prompting a 70 percent rise in petroleum prices on 22 August which triggered further public backlash...

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