The fuel station sector in Lebanon has entered a critical juncture following the warning of the station owners union of the inability of the current commission to cover operational costs, amid escalating financial burdens and declining sales, with the rule of resorting to a strike at the present time.
This came during an extraordinary meeting held by the union’s executive council, headed by George Brax, during which the financial and operational challenges burdening the sector in various Lebanese regions were reviewed.
The union stressed the purely union nature of its movements, calling on political leaders not to involve the rights of station owners in political disputes, stressing that its primary goal is to protect the continuity of the sector and ensure the provision of services to citizens.
The union explained that the commission set by the Ministry of Energy and Water has become less than the actual operational cost, driven by the rise in municipal fees, contributions to the National Social Security Fund, fees for work leaves and residency permits for foreign workers, as well as the costs of operating generators and the wave of inflation that includes various goods and services.
The data indicated that the volume of sales recorded a decline ranging between 20 and 30%, at a time when stations are facing a stability in the value of commission in parallel with a continuous escalation in expenses and taxes.
The Executive Council affirmed that the union is currently avoiding escalatory options and strikes in order to avoid disrupting this vital facility and to avoid paralyzing movement in the country, stressing in the same context its full adherence to the rights of workers in the sector.
The union concluded its appeal to the station owners, calling on them to be patient and united, and announcing the continuation of contacts and negotiations with the official authorities to reach fair solutions. These developments coincide with the ongoing pressure that the fuel sector is suffering from due to price fluctuations and operating costs, amid widespread demands from economic and union bodies to reconsider the fees and taxes imposed to reduce the burden on institutions and consumers.
