LEBANON - Economy Minister Amer Bisat said Lebanon is not facing an immediate crisis in food supplies, wheat availability or fuel stocks despite ongoing regional and global developments,
Speaking to Sawt Kol Lebnan, Bisat said food stocks held by supermarkets are sufficient for more than three months, while medicine reserves range between three and four months.
Wheat reserves, however, are available for less than three months, and fuel stocks cover less than two weeks due to delays in the arrival of shipments.
The minister said four fuel vessels are expected to arrive in Lebanon this week, which would help ease pressure on available reserves.
Minister Bisat added that the Economy Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Water, is working to delay increases on imported goods by applying last year’s average exchange rate to avoid a significant price shock in the local market.
However, he warned that if global prices do not decline, imported goods could see price increases exceeding 15%.
“Food safety represents a major part of the ministry’s work,” Minister Bisat said, noting that the ministry is cooperating with the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to monitor compliance with safety standards.
He revealed that authorities are destroying dozens of cases of expired or non-compliant food products every month and referring violators to the relevant judicial authorities.
Since the beginning of the year, ministry inspectors have carried out 13,300 field inspections across Lebanon, according to Bisat, who urged citizens to report violations through the ministry’s electronic application, MoET Digital Services.
On energy cooperation, the minister said Lebanon and Syria could benefit from the transfer and export of Iraqi oil through the Tripoli-Banyas pipeline, describing the project as an opportunity for both countries to achieve economic gains through geographic integration in the energy sector.
The minister said there is openness to establishing a tripartite partnership between Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, with the possibility of involving Jordan at a later stage, to promote regional economic integration and mutual benefits.
He also announced an upcoming visit to Iraq to strengthen trade relations and discuss export and import opportunities between the two countries.
According to the minister, Iraq remains the only country to which Lebanon currently exports more goods than it imports, making it a key partner for expanding Lebanese trade ties.
The minister’s remarks come as Lebanon continues to navigate economic pressures, including reliance on imports, currency instability and exposure to international market fluctuations.
