Fuel prices in Lebanon have been steadily increasing since October 28th. In about a month, the price of a gasoline canister has risen by 44,000 Lebanese pounds, while the price of diesel has jumped by 100,000 Lebanese pounds. This continuous increase has raised questions among Lebanese citizens about whether the government has imposed an undeclared tax, leading to this noticeable rise, as it is being circulated on social media platforms, or whether the main reason is only due to the global increase in oil prices.
In this context, the representative of fuel distributors in Lebanon, Fadi Abu Chakra, explained in an interview: “There are many rumors circulating through some social media sites, talking about a tax increase imposed by the Lebanese state that led to higher prices, but this is not true.”
He added: “We, as distributors, confirm that the rise occurring during this period is only due to the increase in global oil prices. When it rises globally, it rises locally, and when it falls, it is directly reflected in prices in Lebanon.”
Abu Chakra also pointed out that diesel will be the biggest burden on the Lebanese this season, stating: “Many families rely on diesel as fuel for heating in the winter, and any additional increase will double the living pressures. And in just one month, we have seen an increase of 100,000 pounds.”
He hoped “that the price of a barrel of oil will decline globally in the coming period, so that this will be reflected positively on prices in Lebanon, especially with the approaching peak demand for heating fuel.”
The Ministry of Energy and Water issued a new table of fuel prices this morning, Tuesday, and the prices were as follows:
95-octane gasoline: 1,450,000 Lebanese pounds (+7,000)
98-octane gasoline: 1,490,000 Lebanese pounds (+7,000)
Diesel: 1,437,000 Lebanese pounds (+9,000)
Gas: 1,070,000 Lebanese pounds (+2,000)
