A delegation from the bakery unions in Lebanon, headed by the union leader Nasser Sarour, visited today the Minister of Economy and Trade in the caretaker government, Dr. Amin Salam. They discussed the issues of wheat, flour, and the operation of bakeries. Both parties addressed the concerns of bakeries and agreed that after completing the second phase of diligent work—which led to a 10% increase for small and medium bakeries while maintaining a 10% discount for bakeries that have excess—the third phase would involve an increase for bakeries with shortages and a discount for those with excess after the security agencies' reports are completed at the ministry.
During the meeting, the Minister of Economy emphasized that "shipments of subsidized wheat continue to arrive steadily at the mills. Flour is available and so is bread; the crisis is behind us, and cooperation with the bakery union is ongoing at the finest details to resolve any issues." He announced, "The ministry, in cooperation with the union and security agencies, is capable of overcoming all obstacles."
For his part, union leader Sarour expressed gratitude to Minister Salam for "his intensive efforts aimed at solving any problems in the bakery, milling, and bread sectors, and for meeting the demands of bakeries with flour shortages to overcome all challenges." He urged citizens not to buy more than their needs for bread, affirming that "there is no flour crisis, no interruption of bread, and no unusual increase in the price of the bread bundle, as the World Bank loan will provide support for bread for approximately ten months at reasonable prices."
