The unions of food importers and supermarket owners in Lebanon, headed by Hani Bohsali and Dr. Nabil Fahd, issued a joint statement denying what was reported in the media regarding merchants and warehouse owners resorting to rationing the distribution of food commodities with the aim of prolonging the stock period. The statement confirmed that these allegations are not true, stressing that there are no restrictions on delivery and distribution operations by importers or supermarkets.
The two unions explained that the current food stock meets the needs of the local market for up to three months, while import operations continue at an increasing rate, which makes it unnecessary to take any measures that limit citizens’ access to goods.
The statement indicated that the continuation of the Beirut Port’s normal operation and the continued flow of supply chains ensure that no shortage occurs, stressing that there is an abundance of supply in supermarkets thanks to the continuous supplies of importers.
The statement also stated that merchants increased the volume of imports in coordination with the Crisis Cell in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and with the Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amer Basat, in order to meet the needs of the market for longer periods.
The two unions called on the media to verify information from the relevant authorities before publishing sensitive news, in order to avoid causing panic among citizens in light of the current conditions of war.
