Under direct instructions from the Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Amer Al-Bassat, and within the framework of a comprehensive supervisory plan aimed at regulating markets and protecting consumer rights, the Consumer Protection Directorate carried out a series of inspection tours of major meat and livestock merchants in different regions of Lebanon.
These tours resulted in the arrest of three major traders, who were found to have committed violations such as monopolizing quantities of meat and illegally raising prices, which is clearly in conflict with applicable laws and regulations. Immediately, arrest reports were organized against them, in preparation for referring them to the competent judicial authorities to take appropriate legal measures.
Minister “Al-Bassat” stressed that the Ministry will not allow in any way attempts to monopolize, manipulate prices, or exploit citizens, stressing that protecting citizens’ purchasing power is a top priority in these difficult circumstances.
The Ministry also confirmed that it will continue its inspection tours on a daily basis on various vital, food and consumer sectors throughout Lebanon, with the aim of ensuring market stability and preventing any violations, while threatening to apply the maximum legal penalties to violators.
The Ministry also urged citizens to report any violations or complaints related to prices or monopoly through the Ministry of Economy and Trade application available on smart phones, which allows complaints to be followed up quickly and effectively.
These measures come in light of increasing living pressures and a continuous rise in the prices of basic commodities, which prompted the Ministry to implement an intensive monitoring plan targeting the sectors that most affect the consumer budget, most notably food and meat.
The Ministry of Economy had previously announced the intensification of supervision over markets and preventing the exploitation of any decisions or developments to increase prices unjustifiably, as part of a policy aimed at regulating prices and enhancing confidence in the market.
By issuing reports and referring violators to justice, the Ministry affirms its commitment to strictly implementing the law, with the aim of regulating markets and protecting consumers from any monopolistic practices or price manipulation.
