Lebanese people are no strangers to standing in long lines, it is required in every aspect of their existence due to the liquidity crisis, which has torn through their lives like a whirlwind. It began years ago due to mismanaged state funds, inflating the value of the Lebanese Pound (LBP) from 5 LBP per USD to 1500 LBP per USD. Negative sentiment towards the government grew as they continued to mismanage funds, diminishing the currency, pushing the people towards poverty. Currently, one USD is worth approximately 1500 LBP, reducing the currency’s worth significantly compared to earlier times. As Lebanon cannot participate in international trade to its entire potential; the country has turned to subsidized and donated goods from other countries, although even this is not enough to sustain basic necessities.
Gasoline is incredibly scarce causing citizens to wait days to receive only half a tank of fuel. Due to fuel scarcity, there are massive power outages that last for an average of 22 hours in some areas because generators cannot be powered. Lebanese inhabitants are now turning to the black market for fuel as most of the subsidized fuel is being transported to Syria by suppliers for higher profits. Food products are also in short supply, some people are even turning towards their household gardens for their main source of sustenance as grocery shelves are seldom full.
The people are livid as the government remains idle, unwilling to serve its people. The country’s outlook is grim unless both citizens and leaders strongly resolve to raise their country from the depths of this crisis.
References:
France 24. “'Hell on Earth': Lebanon Unlivable as CRISIS DEEPENS.” France 24, France 24, 20 Aug. 2021, www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210820-hell-on-earth-lebanon-unlivable-as-crisis-deepens.
“Lebanon: Why the Country Is in Crisis.” BBC News, BBC, 5 Aug. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53390108.