Bohsali says Strait of Hormuz shipping halt will not raise food prices in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Head of the Food Importers Syndicate, Hani Bohsali, said Thursday that "the halt of maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will not lead to an increase in food prices in Lebanon."

In a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA), Bohsali said that "most Lebanese imports do not pass through the Hormuz Strait," adding that "the direct impact of such a closure would be limited to rising oil prices, and the resulting increase in energy, transportation costs, and insurance premiums — not the availability of goods itself."

Regarding food supplies, Bohsali said that "food and consumer goods will remain available in Lebanese markets," noting that "even during the most difficult stages of the war, the markets did not witness any shortages of essential goods."

He also stressed that "risk has become a fundamental factor in price calculations," explaining that "pricing is not based solely on actual costs but also takes into account commercial and logistical risks that may impose additional burdens on importers." However, he emphasized that this "does not justify any arbitrary or unjustified price increases not based on a real rise in costs."

The United States has carried out several strikes on Iran this week, prompting retaliatory Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the Gulf as the two sides clash over the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping route. The escalation has sent global oil prices soaring and raised concerns about inflation, including in countries far from the war.