Zakaria Al-Arabi, the head of the Syndicate of Bakery Owners in Saida and the South, has issued an urgent appeal to Lebanon's caretaker Economy Minister and the representatives of the South, urging them to increase the allocation of subsidized flour to bakeries in the South and Western Bekaa regions.

His plea comes at a time of rising concern over a potential bread crisis in these areas, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and displacement.

The National News Agency quoted Al-Arabi as saying that the current supply of subsidized flour allocated to bakeries in the South and Western Bekaa is alarmingly insufficient to meet the growing demand for bread. He pointed out that the situation has been worsened by the intensifying Israeli attacks, which have forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in larger cities like Saida. This influx of displaced individuals, coupled with the pressing needs of residents in Palestinian camps, has placed an even greater strain on the already limited resources.

In his statement, Al-Arabi revealed that the monthly supply of subsidized flour to bakeries in the affected regions has been slashed by more than half. He emphasized that, given the current situation, the actual need is double the amount of flour being provided. The stark discrepancy between supply and demand, he warned, could soon lead to a full-blown bread crisis.

Al-Arabi further cautioned that the bakeries in Saida and the South are operating without any reserve stock of flour, leaving them vulnerable to disruptions. He stressed that if the conflict continues to escalate, the region could be on the brink of a severe bread shortage.