Palestinian territories / News

Gaza running out of fuel

1Gaza's only power plant2

The 1.7 million citizens of the Gaza Strip are facing an incapacitating fuel shortage affecting hospitals, water, and electricity.

Gaza has only one power plant, which powers the entire coastal enclave. The plant ran out of fuel and stopped operating on March 16. Today the power cuts last up to sixteen hours a day. As stocks of petrol run out and fuel is not entering Gaza, Palestinians are resorting to unofficial means to bring in fuel for generators.

According to the Egyptian Ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, “Gaza needs 35 to 40 million litres of fuel per month, which is equivalent to five Egyptian governorates.”

The local Ministry of Health is suffering heavily, as hospitals are running off generators, which are already running low on fuel. When the fuel supplies run out, eighty per cent of patients’ lives will be put in danger. Those most at risk include 100 newborn babies, 400 patients with renal failure and 66 patients in Intensive Care.

Power shortages also affect Gaza’s water supply as electric pumps shut down for lack of power without warning. The Coastal Municipality Water Utility is reporting that up to 40% of domestic potable water has been cut off. Water treatment plants are also unable to treat wastewater before it is pumped back into the sea.

Before the fuel shortage, rolling power cuts were implemented according to a schedule, because there was insufficient energy for the entire population simultaneously. Each area experienced eight-hour planned power outages on a daily basis.

Islamic Relief is continuing to operate in Gaza, but we are rationing fuel for our generators. We continue to monitor the situation and update you.