Economy

Consumer Prices Increase by 1.1% in January

The Central Administration of Statistics (CAS) reported on Friday that Lebanon’s Consumer Price Index for January 2025 recorded a 1.1% increase, following a 0.18% decline in September 2024 compared to August 2024. This was the first increase in over a year, after record surges in 2023 (33.27% in March and 5.35% in May). However, the index saw a ...

UN Says Syria Economic Recovery could take Half a Century

Syria would need more than 50 years to get back to its economic level before its devastating civil war at current growth rates, the United Nations said Thursday. "Fourteen years of conflict in Syria have undone nearly four decades of economic, social, and human capital progress," the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said. "At current growth ...

BDL Reserves at $10.526 Billion, $3.2 Billion Disbursed Through Circulars 158 and 166

In line with the Lebanese Central Bank (BDL) policy to raise withdrawal limits, and following consultations with President General Joseph Aoun, House Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, BDL’s Central Council decided earlier this week to increase the ceiling under Circular No. 158 to $500 per month ...

After the Withdrawal Limit Increase: What About BDL Reserves?

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

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 ...

The Fate of Circular 165

In a surprising move just days before her retirement, Judge Helena Iskandar, Head of the Litigation Department at the Ministry of Justice, filed two motions before the State Council, requesting the Lebanese State’s intervention in the lawsuits aimed at annulling Circulars No.151 and No.165, submitted by lawyers. The conclusion was that the ...

NSSF: 5,888 Inspection Missions Conducted in 2024

The 2024 annual report from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Inspection and Internal Control Department highlights a significant rise in inspection missions, with 5,888 conducted in 2024 compared to 4,742 in 2023. A total of 25,240 employees were audited, and 185 lost undue health benefits and family allowances. This means approximately ...

Agriculture Facing Mild Winter and Conflict Repercussions

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 ...

Ministry of Energy update on Harrach-Jeita hydroelectric plant

The Ministry of Energy and Water clarified on Tuesday several points regarding the rehabilitation project of the Harrach-Jeita hydroelectric plant, which has been assigned to the Union of Suburban Municipalities. In its statement, the ministry recalled that last September, the Directorate General of Water and Electricity Resources launched a ...

Public Sector: Vacancies and Shortcomings

The scandal of “electoral hiring” in the public sector is not a new phenomenon. What drives these “hunters of ghost jobs” is less the salary than the associated perks: generous bonuses, discretionary spending, allowances for occasional assignments, representation expenses, and even travel indemnities for overseas trips, often handed out ...

Lebanese-Saudi Economic Ties: A Fresh Start?

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. ...

Syria's Economy Reborn After Being Freed from Assad

When Bashar al-Assad ruled Syria, merchants like Youssef Rajab kept much of their imported stock hidden for fear of arrest for breaking the law. But after an Islamist-led coalition toppled Assad in a lightning offensive last month, Rajab put previously banned foreign goods such as chocolate, biscuits and shampoo back on the shelf. Such products ...