The syndicate of fuel distributors, transporters and tanker truck owners called for a strike next Tuesday, March 22, 2022. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The syndicate of fuel distributors, transporters and tanker truck owners called for a strike next Tuesday in a statement released today, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Here’s what we know:
• The strike scheduled for next Tuesday and said to affect “the entirety of Lebanese territory,” was announced after a meeting held by the syndicate at the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers headquarters, with the participation of Land Transport Unions head Bassam Tleis.
• General Confederation of Lebanese Workers head Bechara al-Asmar told L’Orient Today that the oil department at the Energy Ministry has been urging truck owners to homogenize tanks’ capacity since 2019 in an attempt to limit fraud. However, truckers oppose this measure saying that it burdens them with additional costs.
• Asmar confirmed that talks are underway between both entities to find a solution.
• The rise of fuel prices internationally following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 has resulted in similar price hikes in Lebanon. However, fuel prices, as set by the Energy Ministry, have registered two drops in the past 24 hours.
• The previous weekend, long lines formed at gas stations attributed to drivers’ fear of price increases. Certain gas stations refused to sell fuel while awaiting price adjustments. Last summer, long queues formed at gas stations amid fuel rationing and price increases.