LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - October 14, 2025

The head of Lebanon’s Food Importers Syndicate, Hani Bohsali, said that food prices in Lebanon have not risen sharply, rejecting claims that costs have surged in recent months, according to L'Orient Today.

Speaking to the National News Agency, Bohsali said that some reports and media outlets have been spreading incorrect information about prices.

“What is being said about a big increase in food prices does not reflect what’s really happening in the market,” he said.

He admitted that prices have gone up slightly but described the increases as limited and gradual. Bohsali explained that the rise of the euro against the U.S. dollar, higher global food prices, and increased local costs have pushed prices up, but not by large amounts.

Official data from the Central Administration of Statistics (CAS) showed that Lebanon’s consumer price index (CPI)increased 14.24% compared to last year.

Bohsali said that food prices during the summer rose by only 1% to 3% in July and August.

He added that most big brands are keeping prices stable to stay competitive, and that the Food Importers Syndicate monitors the market to prevent price manipulation.

However, he reminded that official oversight falls under the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Economy.

Experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also use CAS data and say that Lebanon’s food inflation stands around 20% a year.

Some differences between official and media figures, they noted, may come from how the data is calculated.

This reflects growing concern over price transparency and public trust in Lebanon’s fragile economy.