OGERO Secures Diesel for 5 Months, Ministry Mulls Tariff Raise

OGERO has secured an amount of diesel sufficient until next June, Telecommunications Minister Johnny Korm has announced.

Internet services were disrupted in half of Beirut on Sunday because of diesel shortages.

Head of state-run telecom provider OGERO Imad Kreidiyeh threatened to resign over the authority’s “lack of capabilities.”

“The situation is unbearable,” Kreidieh said, blaming bureaucracy for the delays.

The internet is an essential service that the country is failing to secure.

Another essential service, the mobile recharge cards, had also recently entered the black market, as a raise in the price of the prepaid cards is being expected, although cards are available.

No decision has been taken, regarding the new tariffs, Korm said.

He explained that the pricing decision requires a great effort "because we have to take into account those with limited income."

The Telecommunications Ministry's budget has not yet been finalized, according to Korm who expects to present it early next week, as intensive meetings are being held.

A Cabinet session dedicated to discussing the 2022 state budget is expected to take place next week, after a long deadlock.