Maghreb Edition

Algeria: Sonatrach implicated in tainted fuel export to LebanonF

Posted On 14 May 2020

Number of times this article was read : 661

Beirut, May 13, 2020 – A Lebanese prosecutor on Wednesday pressed charges against 12 people including government officials over a delivery of suspect fuel through an Algerian oil company, state media said. The “tainted fuel” case made headlines in March when Lebanon refused to receive a fuel shipment from a subsidiary of Algerian state company Sonatrach to be used in Lebanon’s electricity sector. The delivery was found to be “non-compliant” with Lebanese standards, contrary to official reports.

Mount Lebanon Prosecutor Ghada Aoun on Wednesday charged 12 people over the case, the National News Agency reported. They included the general manager of the Lebanese Electricity Company Kamal Hayek, for negligence of duty. The Ministry of Energy and Water’s chief of oil installations, Sarkis Hlaiss, and director of oil, Aurore Feghaly were charged for bribes and negligence of duty, it said. Aoun last month ordered shut the offices of ZR Energy, which acted as intermediary to bring it into Lebanon.

Arrest warrants have already been issued for Feghaly and the Sonatrach representative in Tarek Fawal, as well as for laboratory workers alleged to have tested fuel samples and provided false reports. More arrest warrants were issued in absentia for Hlaiss as well as ZR Energy head Teddy Rahme, general manager Ibrahim al-Zouk and another of the company’s employees.

On May 6, the judiciary questioned former energy ministers Nada Boustani, member of the president’s Free Patriotic Movement, and Hezbollah’s Mohammad  Fneich. In statement by its Lebanese subsidiary, Sonatrach said the media had targeted it with a “malicious and systematic campaign” of defamation. The company, which said it had been providing fuel to the Lebanese electricity sector since 2005, said it was “not responsible… for any violation, crime, offense or any alleged transgression that could have occurred to any fuel shipment”.

In Algeria, meanwhile, a presidential spokesman said an investigation had been ordered into the matter, but that the “Algeria as a state was not involved in such acts”. He said it was first and foremost a Lebanese case.

AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Sudan’s Army Gains Ground in Kordofan as War Strains Power and Food Systems$

Sudan’s army is gaining ground in North Kordofan, securing key transport routes that could support a broader push west toward Darfur. But battlefield advances are unfolding alongside a deepening national crisis, with power grid failures, disrupted agriculture and local conflicts compounding the country’s instability. But this latest military momentum is unlikely to resolve Sudan’s widening humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.