Hasbani urges Salam to take immediate action to avert worsening electricity crisis
MP Ghassan Hasbani called on Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to take urgent measures to address Lebanon’s electricity shortages, warning that further delays could trigger wider economic and social repercussions.
In a letter to Salam, Hasbani welcomed reforms undertaken by the government, including the establishment of the electricity regulatory authority, implementation of the 2002 electricity law and appointment of a new Electricité du Liban board.
He warned, however, that rising global energy prices and limited fuel-purchasing capacity were reducing electricity supply and increasing reliance on costly private generators.
Hasbani proposed three immediate measures: financing fuel purchases this month through partial payment of public-sector electricity bills and state-funded exemptions granted to South Lebanon; approving a variable electricity tariff for implementation early next year; and securing additional budget appropriations through legislation to settle outstanding dues until revenues from the revised tariff become available.
He stressed that responsibility for these measures rests with the prime minister, finance minister, Cabinet and Parliament.
Describing the current week as decisive, Hasbani warned that failure to act promptly could push Lebanon toward a deeper electricity, economic and social crisis, for which the government would bear collective responsibility.
