Energy Lebanon receives $250m World Bank loan to ease power problems By Reuters April 24, 2025, 1:17 PM Alamy via Reuters The World Bank Group global headquarters in Washington. The $250 million loan is to help ease the power crisis worsened by last year's conflict Long-term challenges Worsened by the war Part of $1bn reconstruction The World Bank has granted Lebanon a $250 million loan aimed at helping to alleviate persistent power cuts worsened by last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah, the country’s finance ministry said on Thursday. Even before the conflict, Lebanon had for years been struggling with a severe shortage of imported fuel and poor infrastructure. Following the conflict, however, the World Bank said it would need around $11 billion for reconstruction and recovery. There’s no easy fix for Lebanon’s banking collapse IMF says Lebanon needs new strategy to reboot economy Lebanon’s journey to renewal starts now The fighting between the Iran-backed group and Israel ended for the most part in November through a brittle ceasefire brokered by the United States, though the two sides accuse each other of failing to fully implement the deal. Lebanon had said it received preliminary approval to increase a World Bank reconstruction loan to $400 million from $250 million. The loan is part of a $1 billion reconstruction programme, with the remainder of the financing to come from international aid. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
