Diesel out of stock at most stations in Tripoli

BEIRUT — Diesel was out of stock Monday at most gas stations in Tripoli, North Lebanon, for reasons that remain unknown, our correspondent in the region reported.

Here's what we know: 

    • Inhabitants of the region expressed concern that fuel smuggling, which was common during the widespread fuel shortages of last summer, had resumed. Eight-liter jugs of diesel were being sold Monday morning on the black market in Tripoli for LL200,000, our correspondent reported, while 20 liters of diesel is priced at LL314,800 in gas stations, according to the latest scale published by the Energy Ministry.

    • Lebanon experienced severe fuel shortages in the summer of 2021 amid its ongoing socio-economic and financial collapse. Hourslong queues formed daily in front of the few gas stations open in the country, which power outages were widespread as generator operators struggled to secure sufficient diesel to keep the lights on during the long hours of state electricity rationing.