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3. Food Products and Prices: Ramadan Marked by Abundance and Stability

The month of Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide, bringing significant changes in eating habits, with higher spending on iftar (the meal that breaks the fast) and suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). In Lebanon, concerns are growing over product availability and price fluctuations. But what’s the situation?

During Ramadan, families devote extra care to their meals, increasing food expenses by 18.2%, according to a 2024 survey. More of their budget goes toward iftars and suhoors, with a preference for traditional products and Ramadan-specific dishes. However, after years of crises and conflicts, many Lebanese are worried about product availability and price fluctuations.

On this topic, Hani Bohsali, president of the Syndicate of Food Importers, offers reassurance. He told This is Beirut that importers had been preparing for Ramadan weeks in advance, as “products need to be stocked in warehouses a month ahead to ensure smooth distribution.”

Bohsali emphasized that “food products are abundantly available, far exceeding the needs of both Lebanese residents and tourists during this period.” He added that “Lebanese importers have diversified their supply sources, offering consumers a wide selection of products to suit their preferences and budgets.”

As for prices, he stated they remain stable, “with only slight fluctuations due to global shifts in the cost of certain raw materials.” He specifically mentioned the rise in prices for coffee, tea, and vegetable oils, attributing it to weather conditions and disruptions in production. Bohsali also noted that during the war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon faced no supply issues, and prices didn’t see a significant increase. “What could have driven prices up—the war—didn’t, and it won’t now,” he emphasized. In his view, no merchant should take advantage of Ramadan to raise prices.

Nabil Fahed, president of the Supermarket Owners' Union, echoed this sentiment, assuring This is Beirut that all products are available in ample quantities and that prices remain stable across all regions. He noted that during Ramadan, consumption rises, especially for fresh vegetables, meats, poultry, and sweets.

The same applies to poultry. William Boutros, president of the Producers' Union, confirmed that “chicken is widely available on Lebanese markets, and production is fully capable of meeting consumption needs, especially during Ramadan.” Regarding prices, he explained that they “are determined by the law of supply and demand, depending on production and consumption.” “So far, it seems that prices will stay within reasonable limits, ensuring stability for chicken prices,” he concluded.