As Eid al-Adha approaches, Lebanese households can find some reassurance: prices of imported food items are expected to remain stable, offering a rare moment of relief amid ongoing economic challenges.
Hani Bohsali, President of the Lebanese Food Importers’ Union, confirmed that no significant increase in imported food prices is anticipated in the short term, particularly in the days surrounding the holiday. “Although the recent fuel price hike approved by the Cabinet to fund social aid may raise operational and transportation costs, this will not result in a notable increase in food prices,” Bohsali told This is Beirut. He explained that companies are currently able to absorb the additional expenses without passing them on to consumers.
Bohsali attributed the current price stability to steady global commodity prices and expressed hope that this trend will continue, allowing Lebanese families to celebrate the holiday in a relatively calmer economic environment.
Echoing his remarks, Nabih Fahd, President of the Supermarket Owners’ Union, emphasized that the new fuel tax is unlikely to significantly impact food prices, as it remains manageable for the retail sector. He suggested that the government consider setting a fuel price ceiling and suspending tax collection if that ceiling is exceeded, as a measure to curb potential inflationary pressures.
Comments