Lebanon faces soaring fuel costs and looming strikes amid economic collapse

Lebanon's fuel price has risen to almost $1.60 per litre, a spike attributed to the broader regional fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran. Citizens like truck driver Bassam describe the situation as unbearable, with many unable to afford basic food items. The Lebanese trade union federation urged the government to declare an economic emergency and signaled a possible indefinite general strike.

President Joseph Aoun said the administration would consider union demands, yet fiscal constraints limit relief options. The Ministry of Economy increased bread prices for the second time this year, citing higher production costs driven by fuel. The Federation of Bakery and Oven Trade Unions warned that the rising costs threaten both the bakery sector and working-class families, while protests in neighboring Syria over fuel hikes add to fears of unrest.