The plan would provide Egyptian natural gas to Jordan for generation into additional electricity that can be transmitted to Lebanon via Syria, as well as facilitate the transfer of natural gas to Lebanon.US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea informed Lebanese President Michel Aoun of this decision in a phone call, said the statement.

Negotiations are continuing with the World Bank to finance the cost of the gas, it added.

Lebanon has been facing a serious shortage in fuel oil given the financial collapse in the country and its inability to secure U.S. currency to import the much-needed basic commodities.