Historic Drought: Ecological and Economic Disasters
Christiane Tager 22/03 13:26 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
This year, Lebanon has experienced an exceptionally dry winter, with rainfall dropping by 70% compared to previous years. This prolonged drought is having devastating effects on multiple key sectors. Agriculture, water supply, energy, and even public health are all under threat due to the lack of precipitation. The consequences of this drought are ...
Eggflation: When Eggs Turn into a Pricey Luxury!
Christiane Tager 21/03 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Over the course of just one year, the price of eggs in the US has surged, jumping from under $2.52 in February 2024 to $8 per dozen in February 2025—a staggering increase of more than 65%. So, what’s behind this sudden price spike? The avian flu epidemic is a major factor. The outbreak has devastated millions of egg-laying hens in the US, with ...
The Healthcare Crisis: A Standoff Between Hospitals and Insurance Companies
Christiane Tager 20/03 14:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Hospitals Insurance medical health
The conflict between the hospital owners' syndicate and insurance companies remains unresolved. Hospitals say they are grappling with soaring inflation and steadily rising operating costs, prompting them to demand a 15% increase in hospital fees. According to hospital executives, this adjustment is essential to offset the rising costs of ...
Gas: Tender for Blocks 8 and 10 Extended Until March 31
Christiane Tager 18/03 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Lebanon was also expected to advance its offshore energy resources by announcing the results of the third bidding round for gas exploration in Blocks 8 and 10 on March 17. These strategically important blocks are expected to attract major international oil and gas companies. Securing strong bids would bolster investor confidence and mark a key ...
Saudi Arabia: Peace Mediator or Economic Strategist?
Christiane Tager 15/03 12:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
By hosting talks between the United States and Ukraine, Saudi Arabia seeks to establish itself as an essential mediator in global affairs. Traditionally recognized as a key player in the energy sector due to its vast oil reserves, the kingdom now aspires to expand its influence beyond energy. By facilitating peace negotiations, it demonstrates its ...
Engines Revving: A Cautious Rebound for Auto Loans in Lebanon
Christiane Tager 13/03 21:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
After years of economic hardship, Lebanese citizens are finally beginning to see the possibility of replacing their vehicle or purchasing one for the first time. Auto loans, previously halted due to the devaluation of the Lebanese pound, banking restrictions and the financial crisis, are now being offered again, though in a very limited capacity ...
BDH: $100,000 to Support Aspiring Lebanese Homeowners
Christiane Tager 12/03 09:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The Housing Bank (BDH) is set to dramatically increase its loans, raising the amount from $50,000 to $100,000 with support from the Qatari Development Fund. BDH President Antoine Habib confirmed to This is Beirut that “the bank will soon offer $100,000 housing loans to low and middle-income individuals, as well as those with special needs, with ...
China's Counterattack: Punitive Tariffs in Retaliation to Trump
Christiane Tager 07/03 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Shortly after taking office, US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff increase on Chinese goods, raising the total duties on imports from China to 20%. Trump criticized China for not doing enough “to curb the flow of fentanyl, a potent opioid, into the US,” as stated by the White House on X. In retaliation, the Chinese government ...
Global Markets Shaken by Trump’s Tariff Policies
Christiane Tager 05/03 12:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Shortly after assuming office, US President Donald Trump announced in February the imposition of a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, bringing the total to 20%. He criticized Beijing, Ottawa and Mexico for not doing enough to “combat the flow of fentanyl (a potent opioid) into the ...
The Anticipated Return of Lebanese-Saudi Relations
Christiane Tager 04/03 10:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Trade relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have long been prosperous, with Lebanese exports reaching over $800 million per year and Saudi imports totaling $1.3 billion. However, political tensions have severely affected these exchanges, reducing their volume by more than half and causing a considerable loss of revenue for Lebanon. Could the ...
Food Products and Prices: Ramadan Marked by Abundance and Stability
Christiane Tager 28/02 22:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
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 ...
Hello… Hello, Everything Is Falling Apart!
Christiane Tager 28/02 11:10 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Lebanon Telecommunication Alpha Touch
Everything is falling apart! It's nearly impossible to normally connect to the web or make a phone call without constant interruptions. To make matters worse, outages and technical failures continue to spread across the country, even though the price hikes needed to sustain the sector have already been enforced. It’s long overdue for urgent ...
From Drought to Frost: A Disrupted Winter for Agriculture
Christiane Tager 26/02 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
After an unusually dry and warm start to winter, a severe cold wave and snowfall have hit Lebanon, causing major disruptions in the agricultural sector, particularly affecting sensitive crops. Farmers are facing a delicate situation as exceptionally low temperatures challenge the resilience of their plantations. Agriculture is grappling with ...
Caroline Fattal Ranks 6th in Forbes Middle East’s 10 Most Influential Businesswomen
Christiane Tager 25/02 21:25 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Lebanon Forbes Caroline Fattal
Caroline Fattal, president of the eponymous group, has secured the sixth spot in Forbes Middle East’s ranking of the 10 most influential businesswomen leading family businesses in the Middle East. She thus establishes herself as a key figure in family business in the region. President of the Fattal Group since 2022, Caroline Fattal became the ...
Potential Increase in Hospital Fees and Insurance Premiums
Christiane Tager 25/02 10:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Tensions persist between the Lebanese Hospital Owners' Syndicate and the Association of Insurance Companies. The conflict stems from a decision by the former, chaired by Sleiman Haroun, to increase hospital fees contracted with insurance companies by 15%, citing the need to “continue providing quality services to insured patients.” After ...
14 Billion Dollars: The Devastating Losses of the Hezbollah-Israel Conflict
Christiane Tager 21/02 22:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Hezbollah Israel European Union Gulf Damage War
$14 billion! That is the historic and no less colossal amount of damage caused by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. This sum includes both material damage and economic losses. The reconstruction costs are estimated at around $12 billion. For Nassib Ghobril, chief economist at Byblos Bank, economic losses amount to at least $3 ...
After the Withdrawal Limit Increase: What About BDL Reserves?
Christiane Tager 20/02 22:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Lebanon Economy Banks Central Bank
In a highly anticipated move, Lebanon’s Central Bank (BDL) announced on Wednesday an increase in the withdrawal limits for Circulars 158 and 166, raising them to $500 and $250 per month, respectively, effective March 1. While the decision was welcomed by depositors, it has sparked concerns over its cost and potential impact on BDL’s reserves ...
End of the Road for the Bidding Process on Exploration of Blocks 8 and 10
Christiane Tager 19/02 20:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Lebanon will close, on March 17, the third round of bidding for gas exploration in blocks 8 and 10 of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), located off its coast. This project could be a major breakthrough for the country in terms of energy security and economic development. These bids are seen as an opportunity to attract foreign investment and tap ...
Electricity: Why Is Lebanon on the Brink of a Blackout?
Christiane Tager 18/02 16:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
The country is now facing yet another major energy crisis. According to sources at Electricité du Liban (EDL), the available fuel will last only about eight more days, threatening a complete blackout by February 25. This fuel shortage comes amid significant delays in shipments, sparked by contested tests on the fuel. “Shady dealings” ...
Surge in Demand for Prefabricated Homes in Lebanon
Christiane Tager 16/02 10:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Since the ceasefire, the revival of economic activity and urgent need to shelter thousands of displaced people have led to a surge in prefabricated home orders. A supplier of prefabricated homes in Lebanon, who requested anonymity, revealed to This is Beirut that there is a 30% increase in demand. Businesses in this sector, which had seen a ...
Lebanon Claims a Strategic Position in Gold Reserves!
Christiane Tager 10/02 20:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Despite its significant economic challenges, Lebanon maintains a prominent position in terms of gold reserves in the Arab world. According to the latest report from the World Gold Council (WGC), the country ranks second among Arab nations with the largest gold reserves, holding an impressive total of around 287 tons by the end of 2024, equivalent ...
Gold Soars While Silver Remains Steady
Christiane Tager 07/02 20:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
In 2024, gold surged by approximately 27%, setting new records, while silver, though up 27.5%, showed more moderate fluctuations. However, unlike gold, silver has yet to surpass its all-time high. The primary driver behind gold's meteoric rise is its long-established role as a safe-haven asset. In times of economic, political or geopolitical ...
Suspension of USAID: An Opportunity for China?
Christiane Tager 06/02 15:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The Trump administration has suspended USAID, freezing billions of dollars in funding and humanitarian aid. The United States could offer China a real opportunity to expand its influence, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia — regions where American aid has always been essential. Since taking office on January 20, President Donald ...
Lebanon Reconnects with the World: Airlines Resuming Flights
Christiane Tager 05/02 09:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Middle East Beirut International Airport Hezbollah Israel Kuwait
From the onset of the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, all international airlines suspended their flights to Lebanon. Among them, major carriers such as Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines halted their routes to Beirut, citing security concerns for passengers and crew amid ongoing bombardments and the inability to guarantee ...
Tariffs: Gold Shines and the Euro Crashes
Christiane Tager 03/02 22:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Donald Trump Gold currencies dollar euro
After a year marked by record highs, gold seems poised to continue its surge in 2025, as investors seek to shield themselves from global economic uncertainties. The trade policies of US President Donald Trump, particularly the new tariffs that could provoke a trade war, dampen economic growth and fuel inflation, will likely benefit gold. Gold ...
Tension Between Ministry of Energy and TotalEnergies
Christiane Tager 31/01 10:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
The relationship between the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and the French oil giant TotalEnergies seems to be on the brink of collapse. The issue lies in a report on the drilling of Block 9 that has not been submitted to the Lebanese authorities. In 2023, TotalEnergies announced the start of drilling in Block 9, off the Lebanese coast, as part of ...
Agriculture Facing Mild Winter and Conflict Repercussions
Christiane Tager 29/01 10:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Agriculture Economy Lebanon War
The Lebanese agricultural sector, already weakened by a complex economic situation, is now facing two major challenges. On one hand, an unusually mild winter threatens agricultural yields, and on the other, the repercussions of the war are affecting not only infrastructure but also production resources. The agricultural sector is navigating ...
Lebanese-Saudi Economic Ties: A Fresh Start?
Christiane Tager 25/01 15:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Lebanon Economy Saudi Arabia KSA
Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a key economic partner for Lebanon. Before the 2021 decline in relations, largely driven by the Hezbollah issue, Lebanese exports to the Kingdom were substantial, particularly in agriculture, food products, textiles, and handicrafts. These exports were a vital source of foreign currency for Lebanon's economy. ...
Trump Launches His Own Cryptocurrency!
Christiane Tager 22/01 11:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
It was only a matter of time before Donald Trump had his own cryptocurrency, and now it’s finally here. Just two days before being inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump launched his personal crypto. Trump has entered the cryptocurrency world with a "meme coin" bearing his likeness. The coin features Trump with a ...
Hospital Fees: When Healthcare Becomes a Privilege
Christiane Tager 20/01 20:35 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Hospitals Insurance Fees medical coverage
The 2019 economic crisis has had a profound impact on Lebanon’s healthcare system, driving costs to alarming levels. Health insurance companies have been forced to adjust premiums in response to the devaluation of the Lebanese pound, making access to adequate healthcare coverage increasingly difficult, especially for the middle and lower ...