According to an advisor to the Tunisian Energy Ministry, the country is facing the possibility of power cuts in light of the continued closure of a number of vital oil installations due to the protests, especially in the Tataouine Governorate (south of the country).
In a statement to The New Arab, the advisor emphasized the need for oil to enable generators to pump the necessary quantities to cover the country’s need.
The aforementioned strike began in the public sector institutions in the province at the beginning of last June to demand the improvement of economic and social conditions, before the workers’ strike extended to include some private sector companies such as the three oil companies, “Eni” of Italy, “OMV”, “Austrian” and British “Attock Oil”.
An official in the Electricity and Gas Company said that the company continues to provide electricity service, without revealing the level of deficit caused by the closure of the fuel pumping station in Tataouine.
The same official added that the company is counting on financial support from the government to overcome its difficult situation, pointing out that the company’s financial dues with the state have reached two billion dinars ($ 714 million).
It is noteworthy that a leader of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT by its French acronym) had stated that any strike organized by the union was subject to UGTT’s procedures, indicating that the union is not responsible for any arbitrary strikes.
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