Economy minister seeks to assuage fears of wheat shortages

BEIRUT — Following fears of wheat shortages in Lebanon due Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one of the country’s main wheat suppliers, Economy Minister Amin Salam reassured that Lebanon has sufficient wheat stocks to last “for a month or a month and a half.”

Here’s what we know:

    • Salam made the remarks in a meeting on food security with Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday, Mikati’s office reported on Twitter.

    • The premier’s office also noted that Salam said his ministry is “communicating with several countries, including the United States of America,” to import wheat.

    • The cabinet agreed last week to grant the Directorate of Grains and Sugar Beets in the Economy Ministry approval to purchase 50,000 tons of wheat to secure a reserve for an additional month, the Grand Serail quoted Salam as saying on Twitter.

    • During the meeting on Thursday, Salam pointed out that “we are approaching the blessed month of Ramadan, when there will be a greater consumption of foodstuffs, and we heard about fears of a shortage of some foodstuffs, such as oils, sugar and other imports.”

    • Addressing the citizens, Salam said: “I hope that there will not be cases of panic,” adding that “whoever buys more than he needs, is taking away from other people.”

    • Salam pleaded with people not to panic, saying “things are in order, and the quantities that we consume in Lebanon are not large compared to neighboring countries, aid is present, international support is present, and work through the government and the Economy Ministry is in place.”

    • Salam added that he hoped that in 10 days’ time “we will have a clear picture of the countries from which we will import the quantities [of wheat].” He cautioned merchants and stakeholders “to be careful during this period because there will never be any leniency in the matter of raising prices, and any violations that may occur,” saying that those who illegally raise prices will face prosecution.