Turkish Company Karadeniz Threatens to Cut Electricity Supply to Lebanon

The Lebanese Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday that the Turkish company Karadeniz sent a notice indicating it will cease operations of its floating power supply stations. The ministry's statement mentioned that Lebanon could enter a phase of "total darkness" if the Turkish company decides to cut off the 400 megawatts of power supply. A spokesperson for the Turkish company told Reuters that they will continue supplying Lebanon with electricity if Lebanon presents a plan to pay the company's dues, as the country struggles with a severe economic crisis. The Lebanese government warned in a statement last week that darkness may envelop the country as funds for electricity generation are set to run out this month. The statement quoted parliament member Nazih Najm saying, “We must not forget that starting from May 15, gradual darkness will begin.” The Lebanese parliament approved an emergency loan of $200 million for fuel imports to generate electricity last March.