The representative of fuel distributors, Fadi Abu Shakra, affirmed that “the quantities we receive are not sufficient for the market’s needs while it has been given to us by a dropper, this no longer suits us, neither as distributors, nor as stations, or citizens,” describing the situation as dire.

He added in a radio interview that “We are helpless,” referring to “a series of meetings and contacts today with the importing companies and the General Directorate of Oil.”

In a related context, former head of Oil Importing Companies Association, George Fayyad, explained that “the available quantities of gasoline are sufficient for 6 to 7 days of consumption, and we expect that next week will witness a solution to the opening of credits by the Banque du Liban, and the arrival of fuel tankers. This would solve the problem for a period of 15 days.

He stressed that “what is needed is a sustainable solution,” noting that “if the subsidies on fuel are lifted, there will be greater freedom in terms of import, so that we will no longer wait for the subsidized dollars.”

Observers consider that “the delay in opening funds for tankers anchored at sea for a period of more than 7 days, as before, would lead to a dangerous level of decline in Lebanon’s fuel stocks “