Financial and economic expert Maroun Khater commented on the issue of raising the customs dollar to 15,000 Lebanese pounds at the beginning of next month. He noted that due to the lack of oversight in the country, the negligence of the relevant authorities in issuing exemption tables, and the issue of smuggling, the actual impact of this measure would differ from the theoretical impact.
In an interview with "Voice of Lebanon," Khater mentioned that "price increases have started quickly by some traders and this will continue due to the absence of the state and the chaos in the markets, which will affect the living conditions of citizens." He warned that distributing aid to the public sector in the manner being discussed would lead to flooding the market with the Lebanese pound. He pointed out that the central bank might be able to lower withdrawal limits but would not be able to curb inflation resulting from salary disbursements, especially since there are talks about raising the banking dollar to 12,000 pounds coinciding with the customs dollar increase.
Khater emphasized that the country cannot bear more inflation, particularly as some prices of basic goods, including fuel, are now linked to the exchange rate of the Sayrafa platform, which will rise in the event of inflation and an increase in the dollar exchange rate, further exacerbating the crisis.
