Fuel prices slip while a gas cylinder climbs to 1,610,000 lira
Prices of 95- and 98-octane gasoline and diesel edged down, while a 10 kg gas cylinder rose from 1,545,000 to 1,610,000 lira. Meanwhile, Banque du Liban raised monthly withdrawal ceilings for depositors under Circulars 158 and 166, putting more cash in households' hands each month without touching the principal of deposits. On services, power cuts continued to hit ministries, public institutions, water and telecom stations and schools in the north, while the Cabinet is set to discuss the electricity file at a special session on Thursday. On the financial track, the 2027 budget advanced in the Finance Committee with talk of new tax decisions, as economic bodies called for a halt to new taxes.
Fuel eases while cooking gas rises
The price of a 95-octane gasoline tank fell to 2,569,000 lira from 2,611,000 lira in the previous pricing, and 98-octane to 2,587,000 lira from 2,629,000 lira, a drop of 42,000 lira per tank in both cases. Diesel slipped slightly to 2,604,000 lira from 2,608,000 lira. By contrast, a 10 kg gas cylinder rose to 1,610,000 lira from 1,545,000 lira, an increase of 65,000 lira that directly affects households using gas for cooking and heating.
Higher withdrawal ceilings, deposit file in Paris
Banque du Liban raised monthly withdrawal ceilings for depositors covered by Circulars 158 and 166, bringing the ceiling under Circular 166 to about $600 a month, including $200 via bank card, and the ceiling under Circular 158 to about $1,200, including $400 via card. According to MTV, Central Bank Governor Karim Saeed returned from Paris after meetings that included Lebanese banks and financial advisers and covered the financial gap law, the banking reform law, bank recapitalisation and losses, and the sector's obligations towards depositors. Lebanon Debate quoted a statement warning that higher card withdrawals are not enough and describing a write-off of funds as an "execution of depositors".
Jobs and investment under pressure
Reports said the Al Habtoor group's investments will leave Lebanon, a step described as a triple blow to tourism, investment and the job market. On living conditions, official Tarabulsi raised the issue of school breakfasts and the school transport bill amid the financial burdens borne by families, under the heading "they can't even wrap a sandwich". These daily costs, along with transport and fuel bills, remain among the heaviest pressures on household budgets.
Blackouts hit public institutions and water facilities
A Lebanon ON report said Electricité du Liban escalated its stance, accompanied by power cuts to ministries and official institutions including Beirut municipality. According to Lebanon Debate, EDL's decision to cut supply to entities behind on payments hit water stations, telecom stations, offices of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and several schools in Akkar and the north. The Cabinet holds a special session at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 5 November 2026, to follow up the electricity file, while Lebanon has received a comprehensive Qatari offer on electricity with the decision now in the government's hands. On food safety, authority head Elie Awad said its budget allocation (about $36,000) has not yet been disbursed and that it needs 250-300 inspectors.
Budget, taxes and the financial gap
The 2027 budget advanced in the Finance and Budget Committee, with MP Kanaan announcing new tax decisions and speaking of "tangible progress", while hoping the government will answer the demands raised; he noted the closing accounts have not yet reached Parliament. In response, head of the economic bodies and former minister Mohammad Choucair, after meeting the President, called for halting new taxes, addressing the social security file and helping companies stay afloat. According to MTV, Finance Minister Yassin Jaber stressed that raising electricity output alone is not enough without reforms in distribution, collection and curbing waste, and that addressing the financial gap is essential to restoring confidence, with the financial gap bill expected to be completed next March after the budget is approved. It was also reported that Lebanon remains on the grey list, and that a meeting was held at the Grand Serail to prepare for Lebanon's talks with the International Monetary Fund.
What to watch
- The Cabinet's special session on electricity on Thursday, 5 November 2026, and the fate of the Qatari offer.
- Developments on the 2027 budget in the Finance Committee, especially any announced new tax decisions.
- Preparations for Lebanon's talks with the International Monetary Fund, and the financial gap bill expected in March.
- The depositors' file after the rise in withdrawal ceilings, and banks' position on recapitalisation and losses.
- Continued power cuts to water, telecom and school facilities in the north and their impact on daily services.