Gas rises, fuel falls... and deposits await a plan
Benzene prices fell by about 42,000 Lebanese pounds per canister in the latest price schedule, while the 10-kg gas cylinder rose from 1,545,000 to 1,610,000 pounds, so the impact on household budgets is mixed. Meanwhile, the decision to reduce the weight of the bread bundle drew union objections that saw it as an effective increase in the price of bread. The deposits file remains tied to the financial gap law, which is still unresolved, amid consultations between the presidency and the central bank. The 2027 budget is advancing in the Finance Committee, with talk of new tax measures and reforms in electricity and customs.
Fuel falls, gas rises, and bread under scrutiny
The latest price schedule showed 95-octane benzene falling from 2,611,000 to 2,569,000 pounds per canister, 98-octane from 2,629,000 to 2,587,000 pounds, and diesel from 2,608,000 to 2,604,000 pounds. In contrast, the 10-kg gas cylinder rose from 1,545,000 to 1,610,000 pounds, an increase of 65,000 pounds that directly hits household cooking and heating. On bread, the decision to reduce the bundle's weight drew union objections describing it as an effective increase in the price of bread and calling for a review of the pricing mechanism and disclosure of production costs. Gold slipped slightly, with the 21-karat gram at about $113.80 compared with $113.98 previously.
Deposits between the financial gap law and consultations
More than seven years after the financial collapse, the deposit recovery file still lacks a clear executive plan, according to MTV, as the key knots concern loss distribution among the state, the central bank and the banks, as well as repayment amounts and their timeline. The financial gap law draft was approved by the cabinet in December 2025, but the IMF's objection and the central bank's withdrawal from the discussion halted the track, per the same source. President Joseph Aoun discussed monetary policy and financial stability, and the path of the financial stability and deposit recovery law, with central bank governor Karim Saeed, following Saeed's meetings in Paris and an upcoming visit to Washington. An LBCI headline referred to $600 million and to depositors paying the price again, without further details.
Electricity: a new tariff, collection, and confiscated generators
The chairman of Electricité du Liban, Nassib Nasr, announced to the economic bodies a review of the electricity tariff and a moving mechanism to set it. He said cutting supply to public institutions in arrears generated immediate revenues of $28 million out of total dues of $298 million, with talk of a World Bank loan of $250 million and a Qatari project to raise generation capacity. On private generators, the Economy Ministry announced the confiscation of four more generators in Beirut, bringing the total to 62 since the start of the year. On food, the head of the food safety authority, Elie Awad, said its budget allocation (about $36,000) has not been disbursed and that it needs 250-300 inspectors.
The 2027 budget, taxes, an energy credit and customs
The 2027 budget is advancing in the Finance and Budget Committee, with MP Kanaan announcing new tax decisions and "tangible progress", while awaiting government answers; he noted the final accounts have not yet reached parliament. Researcher Khaled Saad criticised the budget's tax policy, saying 80 percent of its taxes are on consumption and describing it as "bookkeeping" that does not reflect the real financial situation. The head of the economic bodies, Mohammad Choucair, called for halting new taxes, addressing social security and helping companies. In the same context, MTV reported that Speaker Nabih Berri called the bureau to meet Monday ahead of a legislative session, including an additional $100 million credit for the Energy Ministry to pay arrears, while customs is preparing a plan to add 300 soldiers and 150 civilian monitors.
What people should expect in the coming days
The deposits file remains key: Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said work on the financial gap law draft will resume after the budget is approved, with completion expected next March. On electricity, any tariff adjustment will directly affect household bills, so people are awaiting the outcome of the review. Fuel prices remain linked to global supply and the exchange rate, and gas recorded today the largest increase among the derivatives.
What to watch
- The fate of the financial gap law after the budget's approval, with talk of completing it next March.
- The outcome of a possible legislative session and the $100 million additional credit for the Energy Ministry.
- Any change to the electricity tariff and the moving pricing mechanism announced by Electricité du Liban.
- The movement of gas and fuel prices in the next schedule, and any new decision on bread pricing.