Fines were imposed on gas stations in several localities in South Lebanon on March 21, 2022. (Credit: L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Four gas stations were fined on Monday in Ghazieh, Sainik and Anqoun in South Lebanon, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in the South reported.
Here’s what we know:
• These fines come on the eve of a strike announced by the union of gas station owners and fuel distributors as some gas stations began to close access to their pumps on Monday.
• Inspectors from the Economy Ministry in South Lebanon have thus sanctioned two service stations in Sainik and Anqoun which were selling gasoline at prices that contravene the official rates published by the Energy Ministry. Two other gas stations in Ghazieh were fined and forced to close as they had a stock of hoarded gasoline and diesel fuel.
• Last week, the union of gas station owners and fuel distributors announced a strike, set to begin tomorrow, throughout the territory, as well as a rally in front of the headquarters of the Energy Ministry.
• Some gas stations had announced that they would close their doors today. Sunday evening, Energy Minister Walid Fayad said that such a closure would not take place, adding that he had made contacts with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and professionals in the sector.