Kuwait rolls out power blackouts after fuel disruption

Pigeons take cover under the shade of trees on the seafront of Kuwait City on July 2, 2021, as the country recorded extremely high summer temperatures. (AFP)
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DUBAI: Kuwait on Sunday announced power cuts in several residential neighborhoods due to “a fuel supply disruption,” according to state-run KUNA news agency

“Within an hour from now, the power in some residential areas will be cut off in order to maintain the stability of the country’s power grid,” the statement on KUNA said.

It blamed “a fuel supply disruption” for the blackouts, which shut down desalination plants and some power stations.

The ministry of electricity, water and renewable energy called on consumers to conserve electricity during peak hours, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Several non-residential areas in Kuwait faced temporary power cuts Saturday after a shortage of fuel rendered power plants inoperable. 

The blackouts come while Kuwait experiences high summertime temperatures. The forecast high for the desert emirate on Sunday was 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit).

Weather forecasters warned it could feel like 53 degrees Celsius (127 degrees Fahrenheit), especially as air conditioners go off due to power cuts.