Nozzle of a fuel pump at a gas station in Lebanon. (Credit: João Sousa / L'Orient-Le Jour)
Fuel prices rose again Tuesday in Lebanon as the regional war impacts global oil prices. The Energy and Water Ministry published new rate tables reflecting a sharp increase in fuel costs, with the price of gasoline up by 85,000 Lebanese Lira, or nearly $1.
Here are the new rates:
- 20 liters of 95-octane gasoline: 2,216,000 LL, an increase of 85,000 LL compared to the last rate published last Friday.
- 20 liters of 98-octane gasoline: 2,257,000 LL (+85,000 LL).
- 20 liters of diesel (for vehicles): 2,051,000 LL (+49,000 LL).
- Kiloliter of diesel (used to supply private electricity generators): $1,059.79 (+$27.26 compared to the Tuesday rate).
- Domestic gas cylinder: 1,745,000 LL (+65,000 LL compared to the Tuesday, March 10 rate, as gas prices are updated weekly).
The increase in fuel prices comes amid rising fears of price inflation, fueled by volatility in oil prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz in the context of the U.S-American war in Iran.
Armed robberies targeting gas stations
Meanwhile, Georges Brax, president of the syndicate of gas station owners in Lebanon, denounced in a statement Tuesday several thefts — often violent — targeting the country's gas stations. "Gas stations have been the target of armed robberies committed in broad daylight, during which their receipts were stolen and employees were seriously injured," Brax said.
According to him, "A Medco station on the airport road was targeted in a criminal assault" that seriously wounded the owner, Hassan Khalil, after he was stabbed in the chest. "Despite the fact that the crime was committed openly and is supported by witness testimony and camera footage, the perpetrator is still at large and has not yet been arrested or brought before the competent judicial authorities," he added, calling on the authorities to take "protective measures."
Contacted by our publication, Brax said that armed robberies targeting stations have recently increased, especially since the beginning of the war between Hezbollah and Israel, without stating the reasons for this rise.
