The rise in fuel ignites the transportation sector…a new tariff is in preparation within days
“Lebanon Debate”
In light of the sharp rise in fuel prices and the accompanying chaos in public transport pricing, the tariff issue has returned to the forefront, amid warnings of direct repercussions on drivers and citizens alike.
In this context, the head of the land transport federations and syndicates in Lebanon, Bassam Tlais, explained in an interview with “Lebanon Debate” that “the ongoing war and the current circumstances imposed new priorities, which led to a delay in the implementation of government measures, especially the approval of monthly financial compensation for drivers in the amount of 12,000,000 Lebanese pounds,” noting that “the rise in fuel prices and fees now requires an urgent reconsideration of the tariff.”
He added, “The new tariff will be based on the actual cost,” pointing out that if commitments are not implemented, the tariff may be calculated based on a price of up to $6, while the actual cost may reach $10, indicating the possibility of it rising in light of the continuation of the current reality.
Tlais pointed out that “the rapid increase in gasoline prices, which rose from about $16 to $26, led to a clear imbalance in the sector, accompanied by increasing tension between drivers and passengers.”
He stressed that “reality can no longer tolerate postponement or partial treatment,” calling for organized intervention that would put an end to the chaos and restore balance to this vital sector, stressing at the same time his full understanding of the demands of public drivers and his standing by their side in light of the significant increase in operational costs.
In this context, he revealed that the Union is working on preparing a new “fair” tariff that takes into account the rights of drivers and protects citizens from any unjustified burdens, provided that it is officially announced within a maximum period of one week, in a way that contributes to controlling the existing chaos.
He pointed out, “Implementing the previous agreement with the government, by allocating a monthly compensation to the public driver, would have alleviated the burden on drivers and passengers, but the continuous rise in fuel prices has put pressure on the sector again, making this compensation insufficient in light of the current high operational cost.”
It is noteworthy that the agreement to approve the monthly financial compensation for drivers in the amount of 12,000,000 Lebanese pounds was announced last February 25, in coordination with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, in consultation with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, and in the presence of the President of the General Labor Union, and includes owners and drivers of legitimate public cars that operate on gasoline, duly registered with the General Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport, and meeting the legal conditions.
