Amid the threats facing Lebanon, citizens fear shortages of all kinds, particularly fuel, as the memory of the gasoline shortages in the summer of 2021 lingers. However, there is no reason to panic at the moment, as gasoline and diesel are available, reassures Maroun Chammas, president of the Association of Petroleum Importing Companies, to This is Beirut.
He stated that “gasoline reserves are sufficient for about 30 days, considering what is stored in depots and by consumers, along with gas reserves for eight weeks.” The supply chain continues without any changes, and Lebanon is expecting the arrival of ships carrying petroleum products.
He advises motorists to keep their fuel tanks full to avoid rushing to gas stations in case of urgent travel. He also emphasized the need “to ensure a sufficient stock of gasoline and diesel for factories, bakeries, hospitals, and others, especially due to the possibility of an extension of the conflict and the disruptions in roads and transportation that could result.”
Mr. Chammas noted that, at present, fuel consumption at gas stations remains normal, indicating there is no need to panic and advising against stockpiling fuel. He stressed that consumption should stay consistent and that maritime routes must remain open for unloading shipments.
It’s also important to mention that petroleum importing companies have been involved in government meetings to keep track of the situation. They have developed a plan to ensure fuel supplies for ambulances, civil defense, and security forces in case of an emergency.
