LEBANON - This year, Ramadan and Christian Lent fall just days apart, creating a unique period of overlapping fasting traditions in Lebanon.
To help consumers during this time, the Lebanese Ministry of Economy launched the “Sawa Bel Siyam” initiative on February 16, in cooperation with the Supermarket Owners Syndicate, food importers, and unions. The program aims to ease the financial burden during fasting periods, which have historically seen sharp price spikes.
“During fasting seasons, the values of solidarity and mutual support that underpin our society are renewed. At the ministry, we understand the challenges citizens face and recognize that it is our responsibility to stand by them,” Minister of Economy Amer al-Bisat said during a press conference.
In March 2025, as Lebanon approached Ramadan, essential food items and services experienced notable price increases. The Market Food Price Index (MFPI) recorded a 4.7% monthly rise, driven by a 17.4% surge in vegetables and tubers, a 12.4% increase in fruits, and an 8.8% jump in fresh poultry.
The “Sawa Bel Siyam” initiative aims to prevent these increases from recurring and lift the financial burden on Lebanese households during fasting.
In an exclusive interview with Enmaeya, Mohamad Abou Haidar, Director General of the Ministry of Economy, explained that a reasonable profit margin was set on essential goods.
Based on this framework, both the Supermarket Owners Syndicate and the Food Importers Syndicate agreed to reduce prices by 10%.
“An agreement was reached on a selection of 21 to 30 key products, which will be displayed on dedicated stands and offered at discounted prices or under special promotions during the fasting period,” Abou Haidar said.
The ministry also published a list of staple items, including lentils, beans, and cooking oil, on which price reductions must reach at least 15 percent.
To make these products accessible to as many Lebanese as possible, they will be available across 180 supermarkets and selling points, all closely monitored and regulated.
Abou Haidar highlighted upcoming legal measures: “A law is underway to enforce strict penalties on anyone attempting to make illegitimate profits during crises or high-demand periods like Ramadan."
"Until then, the Consumer Protection Directorate is actively monitoring markets and reporting violations to the judiciary,” he added.
By combining regulatory oversight with cooperative price reductions, the “Sawa Bel Siyam” initiative seeks to protect Lebanese households from the usual price surges during Ramadan, ensuring essential goods remain affordable when they are needed most.
