Facts about Israel's fuel cuts to Gaza

The Israeli organization Gisha released the following statistics following the announcement that the Israeli govenment will resume fuel deliveries to Gaza:

Israel began instituting fuel cuts to Gaza on October 28, 2007, as part of a governmental decision calling for punitive measures against Gaza's 1.5 million residents. The new levels of fuel announced yesterday are significantly lower than the quantities being purchased by Gaza residents prior to the Oct. 28, 2007 cuts – and significantly lower than what they need now.

Before the cuts, Gaza residents were ordering approximately 1.4 million liters ordinary diesel per week – yesterday the state announced it would allow only 800,000 liters/week – a reduction of 43%. This is particularly detrimental, because the rolling power outages have increased dependency on diesel-powered generators.

Before the cuts, Gaza residents were ordering approximately 350,000-400,000 liters petrol (gasoline) per week – yesterday Israel announced it would allow only 75,400 liters per week – a reduction of 78%-81%.

Israel also announced it would allow Gaza residents to purchase 2.2 million liters industrial diesel/week, needed for Gaza's power plant, but the plant now needs 3.5 million liters/week plus at least 2 million additional liters to replenish reserves.

Gaza needs 240 MW electricity in the current peak winter season. Israel supplies (before the planned cut) 120 MW, Egypt supplies 17 MW, and Gaza's power plant is currently producing only 45 MW – meaning that there is a deficit of 58 MW, or 24% - even before the February 7 cuts are scheduled to take place.