As Lebanon faces the dual pressures of ongoing military conflict and economic instability, the availability of essential goods, from fuel to food, remains a critical concern. While authorities continue to offer reassurances, the public's fears of supply shortages reflect a broader anxiety about the country’s future amidst escalating violence.

Fuel Security Linked to Imports

Maroun Chammas, head of the association of oil-importing companies, sought to calm fears about fuel availability, noting, however, that the supply is dependent on ongoing import operations.

"As long as sea routes remain open and imports face no obstacles, there will be no issues with the fuel supply," he told Al-Modon website. However, he warned that the situation could change quickly if security conditions worsen and imports via the sea are disrupted. In that case, a fuel crisis would be inevitable.

Currently, Lebanon’s gasoline reserves would last for about 21 days if demand remains normal, Chammas explained, noting that stability depends on avoiding panic-buying and maintaining the flow of imports. He urged citizens to refrain from hoarding fuel at home due to the associated risks, while also noting that there is no indication that traders are hoarding supplies either.

Lebanon’s typical daily demand for gasoline stands at 6 million liters, rising to 7 million liters during peak times, such as the recent displacement from the south and Beqaa regions to safer areas in Beirut, the north, and Mount Lebanon. Despite the surge in demand, Chammas stressed that the market can stabilize itself in the following days.

In response to rumors that fuel tankers were struggling to reach distribution centers, Georges Brax, a spokesperson for gas stations, denied the claims in an interview with Al-Modon website. He confirmed that the stockpiles of importing companies are in safe areas, mostly in the Dora region, and that gasoline is being distributed to stations without any obstacles. Brax reassured citizens that companies are taking necessary precautions in the southern regions, where Israeli airstrikes are more intense.

He also urged the public not to rush to gas stations unnecessarily, as there is no looming fuel crisis. Despite these reassurances, many gas stations, especially in the Beqaa and southern regions, continue to see long lines as people scramble to fill up their vehicles amidst the ongoing displacement.

While concerns over fuel availability dominate public sentiment, Lebanon's Ministry of Energy has confirmed that fuel prices remain stable and have not been affected by the local surge in demand. Gasoline and other fuel derivatives are priced according to global oil prices and marine insurance rates, which are independent of Lebanon’s internal situation. In fact, the price of gasoline dropped by 2,000 Lebanese pounds today, continuing a trend of falling prices in line with global oil markets.

Prices and Food Supplies Remain Stable

On the food supply front, the Supermarket Owners Syndicate and the Food Importers Association issued a joint statement assuring citizens that Lebanon’s stock of food supplies is sufficient for three to four months. The statement confirmed that imports through Lebanese ports are ongoing, ensuring that food supplies remain plentiful.

The associations acknowledged a surge in demand at supermarkets, but noted that the situation has calmed since this morning. They also reassured the public that food prices are expected to remain stable, as the market is well-stocked with all essential goods.

Bread Supply Secured, Prices Set to Rise

The Ministry of Economy and Trade also reassured citizens that Lebanon’s wheat reserves are sufficient for at least two months, urging people to avoid panic-buying bread or flour. The ministry stressed it is working to ensure the regular flow of wheat supplies to maintain market stability, with additional shipments expected soon.

Antoine Seif, head of the Bakery Owners Syndicate in Mount Lebanon, echoed these reassurances. He announced that a shipment carrying 40,000 tons of wheat would soon arrive in Lebanon, adding that bakeries have increased production to meet the surge in demand, especially in the wake of heightened fears about supply disruptions.

However, Seif also warned that the price of bread would rise to 65,000 Lebanese pounds starting next Thursday. This is due to some bakeries still selling subsidized bread at the current price, but as stocks dwindle, prices will adjust accordingly.