Fuel supplies to Palestine expected to resume

The head of the Palestinians’ foreign investment trust said today that President Mahmoud Abbas has authorised the release of funds to pay debts owed to an Israeli fuel company to get gas flowing in West Bank and Gaza pumps within days.

Dor Energy, the Israeli company that provides all fuel to the territories, cut off supplies on Wednesday, citing the Palestinian government’s heavy debts.

The move led to lines at Palestinian petrol stations and fears that the latest blow would bring the already battered Palestinian economy to a complete standstill.

Palestinian Investment Fund chairman Mohammed Mustafa said he had spoken to Dor representatives and guaranteed payment of the outstanding debt, and Dor had promised to resume deliveries.

“I can’t say if it will be today or tomorrow, but it will be soon,” he said.

“President Abbas instructed me to solve the problem of the fuel and we have spoken with the Israeli fuel company ... we promise to pay the necessary balance.”