Iraq Doubles Crude Oil Supply for Lebanon

Iraq Doubles Crude Oil Supply for Lebanon

Vehicles queue for fuel at a gas station in Lebanon on March 16, 2021. (Reuters)

Iraq's cabinet has unanimously approved a decision to supply Lebanon with addition crude oil.

It vowed to implement the decision as soon as possible, given Lebanon's urgent need for this support in light of the current exceptional economic circumstances.

Lebanon is now set to receive one million tons of heavy fuel oil from Iraq “” twice the amount originally agreed on “” caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab's office announced on Wednesday.

In a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Speaker of Lebanon's House of Representatives Nabih Berri said one million tons of crude oil is sufficient to meet half of Lebanon's annual need.

"On my behalf, and on the behalf of Lebanon's parliament and the Lebanese people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Iraqi president, government, parliament and people,“ the letter read.

Diab held a phone call with Kadhimi on Wednesday, during which he expressed gratitude for the Iraqi government and people for supporting Lebanon during this difficult stage.

Kadhimi, for his part, stressed that the Lebanese people deserve this support to overcome the current plight.