1st Iranian fuel ship on its way to Lebanon: Hezbollah chief

By Stephanie Radi

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) - The leader of Lebanese Hezbollah on Thursday announced that a first Iranian fuel ship is on its way to the capital Beirut.

"The first ship of fuel which will sail from Iran has completed all arrangements and will depart within hours," Hassan Nasrallah said at a religious ceremony in southern Beirut.

Nasrallah added that it will be followed by other ships carrying more oil.

He also warned against any act by Israel or the US against the ship, saying that once it sets it will be "Lebanese territory."

On Aug. 11, Lebanon's central bank said it would offer credit lines for fuel imports based on the market price for the Lebanese pound when it reached more than 20,000 pounds ($13.23) to the US dollar, after fuel was imported at a rate of 3,900 pounds ($2.58) to the dollar.

In recent days, fuel stations have seen long queues, and most people have faced long blackouts as diesel became scarce, along with deadly incidents due to fuel scarcity.

Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis, with the local currency losing nearly all of its value against the dollar, and streets witnessing massive protests and rallies.

The Arab country has been unable to form a new administration since the resignation of Hassan Diab's Cabinet on Aug. 10, 2020, six days after the massive Beirut port blast.

​​​​​​​* Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara