DaysofPal- Palestinians in the Gaza Strip say the cost of electricity generated by private sources has surged dramatically, forcing many families to seek alternatives after the destruction of the public power network during the war.
With fuel supplies severely restricted and prices far above pre-war levels, electricity costs have risen sharply. The price per kilowatt-hour has increased from around 2.5 shekels ($0.80) to between 20 and 30 shekels ($7 to $10), placing it out of reach for large segments of the population.
For many residents already facing economic hardship, these prices have made basic energy access unaffordable. As a result, families are turning to improvised solutions to meet daily needs.
Abdullah Jamal, a baker, now relies on wood to operate a small oven while preparing bread for displaced families in his area. He said the prolonged gas shortage has pushed people to search for alternative methods for cooking and baking. Despite limited quantities of gas entering Gaza in recent months, many residents continue to ration their use out of concern that supplies could be cut again.
Although some fuel and gas shipments have been allowed into Gaza since a ceasefire agreement took effect in October, Palestinian sources say only 14.7 percent of the agreed humanitarian supply has entered the territory.
Limited Supplies Drive Rising Prices
Fuel shortages have significantly affected daily life. Small quantities of gas are distributed to households, with each family receiving about 8 kilograms every two to three months, far below normal consumption needs.
Fuel prices have also remained unstable. During the peak of the war, diesel prices reached about 90 shekels ($29) per liter due to import restrictions. Prices remain roughly three times higher than pre-war levels, increasing transportation costs and placing additional strain on households.
The war, which has left tens of thousands dead, has created overlapping crises affecting more than two million people in Gaza. Most homes lack reliable access to electricity and cooking gas, and many families cannot afford alternative energy sources.
According to government data, only 1,190 fuel trucks have entered Gaza out of the 8,050 expected since the ceasefire began. The agreement allows for 50 fuel trucks per day, highlighting the scale of the shortfall.
Iyad al-Shorbaji, director general of Gaza’s Petroleum Authority, said the territory requires between 350 and 400 cooking gas trucks each month, along with 15 million liters of diesel and 2.5 million liters of gasoline. Current supplies fall far short of these needs, with only about 100 gas trucks entering monthly.
He added that most fuel shipments are allocated to essential services through international organizations, with limited quantities available for commercial use.
Households Struggle to Cope
Families now receive gas cylinders at irregular intervals, ranging from every 45 days in the best cases to up to 100 days in others. Before the war, households could obtain gas regularly, with average consumption reaching about 12 kilograms every 25 days.
Al-Shorbaji said rising prices are driven by higher procurement costs, transportation expenses, coordination fees, and the combined impact of scarcity and demand.
He expressed hope that fuel and gas supplies could improve in the future, though he noted that access remains dependent on procedures controlling the entry of goods into Gaza, which continue to limit availability and deepen the crisis for residents.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=73241
