"Will our winter be harsh due to diesel?", this question preoccupies the minds of the Lebanese, especially those living in remote towns and mountainous areas, with concerns about a potential diesel shortage, similar to last year's situation amid a freezing wave that hit Lebanon for months. In this context, George Brax, a member of the Syndicate of Fuel Station Owners, confirms that "we may witness a diesel crisis, according to current data."
He explains, in an interview with MTV, the reasons that lead him to adopt this theory, indicating that "what is happening in Europe and Ukraine, along with the sanctions on Russia and the reactions to those sanctions, will affect Lebanon, because the shortages in European countries in importing diesel and gas from Russia compel them to seek alternative sources, hence turning to the Middle East and Africa to compensate for this shortfall." He adds: "We source from this region, and there will be demand for large quantities of diesel," and continues: "Prices will also rise as a result of the OPEC+ decision to cut production starting in November." Brax confirms that "for these reasons, it can be said that winter in Lebanon will be harsh, as the price of diesel will rise, and large quantities will not be available."
Fadi Abu Chakra, a representative of fuel distributors, appears more optimistic, considering that all the talk about a diesel crisis at the onset of winter is incorrect, asserting that the material is available and there is no issue in this regard, but its pricing in dollars poses a problem for citizens, adding: "God help the people." Regarding concerns about potential attacks on fuel stations in the case of an unexpected diesel crisis, Abu Chakra states, in an interview with MTV: "There is no fear of this matter." He concludes by saying: "We should be optimistic because Lebanon has become an oil-producing country, and we are at a historic moment," adding: "We hope the Lebanese government will support every citizen living in remote villages."
