Gas syndicate urges citizens to report black market gas sales at higher prices

BEIRUT — The head of the syndicate of workers and distributors in the gas sector, Farid Zeinoun, called on citizens to report any party or individual selling gas cylinders on the black market at prices exceeding the official rate set by the Energy and Water Ministry, amid the war between Hezbollah and Israel.

In an interview with the state-run National News Agency, Zeinoun rejected any attempt to exploit citizens under these delicate circumstances and urged the consumer protection directorate not to allow any party to manipulate prices, hoard the product or sell it outside the legal framework.

He called for intensified inspection patrols on gas filling companies and retail shops, strict monitoring of compliance with the official price of gas cylinders and obliging all sellers to clearly display and adhere to the set price.

Commenting on the statement, a source at the liquefied petroleum gas company Unigaz told L'Orient Today that Zeinoun is referring to small shops and not to official supplier companies in Lebanon that respect the price set by the Ministry.

Zeinoun also stressed the need to take all necessary legal measures against violators, draft official reports, refer offenders to the competent judiciary and impose deterrent penalties on anyone proven to be involved in hoarding or selling at unofficial prices, affirming that the syndicate will follow up on this issue with the relevant authorities.

Zeinoun also reassured the Lebanese public that available gas supplies are sufficient, that ships are arriving in Lebanon in succession, and that there is no fear of a shortage. Finally, he urged everyone to refrain from panic buying or unjustified stockpiling.

The union of gas distributors said on Monday that stocks in Lebanon were sufficient for one month and that three ships carrying gas were expected to arrive this week.

Two days after the start of the war between Iran on one side and the U.S. and Israel on the other side, the conflict spread to Lebanon on Monday, raising fears of potential shortages in the market. Oil and gas prices soared amid the war, with investors fleeing the prospect of an extended conflict in the crude-rich Middle East.