هرج ومرج في أسعار المواد الغذائية… من يصدّق المواطن؟

هرج ومرج في أسعار المواد الغذائية…من يصدّق المواطن؟ 

المصدر: ندى عبد الرزاق – اللواء

Food Price Chaos in Lebanon… Who Can the Citizen Trust?

The Lebanese economy is facing a complex situation with continued high inflation rates due to economic contraction and the collapse of the national currency. The dollarization of consumer goods since mid-2023 has slowed down rapid price increases, but prices continue to rise, recording a 221% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. As 2024 began, despite a decrease in the inflation rate to 7.46% by September, political crises and regional conflicts reignited pressure on prices. Domestically, factors such as the transfer of taxes and fees to a high exchange rate, traders' greed, and rising costs of basic services like education and rents have exacerbated the crisis. Consequently, the economy remains trapped in an ongoing crisis with the absence of real reform plans.

Field Tour of Supermarkets: Variations in Prices and Notable Increases

To get an accurate picture of food price hikes, “Al-Liwaa” conducted a field tour of major supermarkets in the areas of Ashrafieh, Furn El Chebak, Zalka, and Bourj Hammoud. Our visits revealed significant price variations across these stores, with no major shortages in basic goods. However, a noticeable price increase was observed, ranging between 10,000 and 50,000 Lebanese Liras within just one week. This increase affected several non-essential items, such as spreadable chocolate.

Rising Prices of Grains and Canned Goods Due to Security Developments

Citizens who spoke to “Al-Liwaa” mentioned that prices had risen significantly over the past two months, especially for grains and canned goods. The escalating military conflict between Hezbollah and Israel led many people to rush to buy non-perishable goods like chickpeas, fava beans, sardines, and tuna. These products witnessed an actual price increase due to rising demand amid deteriorating security and economic conditions.

Rising Prices: Between Reality and Conflicting Indicators

Economic expert and Head of Research and Analysis at Byblos Bank, Nassib Gibril, explained to “Al-Liwaa”: “There are conflicting reports about food prices. While some argue that prices have increased slightly, others assert that there has been a steady rise, particularly during the current period of war. We need to look at the indicators and numbers to understand the situation better.” He added that the Consumer Goods Index released by the Central Administration of Statistics revealed a 33% rise in prices in September 2023 compared to the previous year, with a slight increase of 0.2% from August 2024.

Economy Ministry Index: Variation in Food Prices

The food price index, released by the Ministry of Economy in cooperation with the World Food Program, showed a 0.5% decline in September 2024 compared to August 2024, but a 5% increase compared to September 2023. The indicators showed that chicken prices increased by 15% between September 2023 and September 2024, while vegetable prices rose by 4.5%, oil prices by 2.5%, and egg prices by 7.6%. In contrast, sugar prices fell by 6%, canned fish prices by 3%, and fruit and dairy prices decreased by 1.3% and 1.2%, respectively.

Price Variations According to Lebanese Regions

The report also revealed that food prices vary depending on the region. The northern areas saw the highest increase, with an 8% rise in September 2024 compared to the previous year, followed by Mount Lebanon, Baalbek-Hermel, and the south. Monthly indicators also showed slight price drops in some regions, such as Akkar, where food prices dropped by 4.3% year-on-year.

The War and Its Impact on Prices

Gibril noted that the war’s impact on Lebanon led to a clear price increase in the south on a monthly basis. The conflict directly affected the agricultural sector in the region, causing a rise in egg and fruit prices. Experts argue that the continuation of the war, coupled with stagnant wages and increasing prices, has significantly reduced the purchasing power of Lebanese citizens.

Improved Inventory Due to Aid

On the other hand, the head of the Lebanese Supermarket Owners Syndicate, Nabih Fahd, stated that food inventory levels have improved recently thanks to the arrival of aid, which has eased pressure on local markets and helped stabilize the availability of basic goods.

Strict Control Over the Quality of Imported Goods

Regarding imported goods, Fahd confirmed that all food products entering Lebanon through legal ports undergo necessary laboratory tests to ensure their safety and suitability for consumption. These measures are part of a strict regulatory framework designed to protect the health of Lebanese consumers under the current conditions.

Discounts and Competition Control Prices

Fahd also emphasized that all supermarkets affiliated with the Syndicate have not witnessed any exploitative price increases. On the contrary, they regularly offer thousands of promotions at discounted prices. He mentioned that the official price indices published by the Central Statistics Authority show only a 2% increase in October, reflecting price stability, which suggests that inflation remains minimal despite the current pressures on the economy.

Summary of the Situation

Although some indicators show improvement, Lebanese citizens still feel the weight of rising prices. In light of the political, economic, and security crises, food prices have become a heavy burden on many Lebanese families. The ongoing war and political instability continue to cause severe challenges in facing economic crises, demanding urgent reform strategies to ensure market stability and improve citizens’ purchasing power.

Translated by economyscopes team