The Ministry of Economy and Trade issued the following statement: "The Ministry of Economy and Trade denies the misleading news and lies circulating in the media, which alarm Lebanese citizens by suggesting that a bread crisis is imminent. Those who promote such news are fabricating a non-existent crisis, targeting the citizen's livelihood. It is no coincidence that for the past year and four months, this alarm has been circulated in an attempt to create an atmosphere of tension for cheap goals and to exploit the country’s and its people's circumstances. Previous experiences have shown that crisis merchants are behind the fabrications. Therefore, the ministry continues its fight against crisis profiteers and corruption through ongoing cooperation with all relevant agencies. The ministry has successfully combated all wheat and flour thieves, proving that the ministry and security authorities are resolute in addressing any threats to citizens' livelihoods.
In this regard, the Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salameh has fulfilled his promise by recovering wheat and flour and restoring order to the sector with new mechanisms that ensure the availability of flour while preserving support in these difficult circumstances facing the country. It is also clear that the attack extends to the World Bank loan for wheat, which represents a safety net for people's bread. The ministry has worked diligently to ensure price stability and the availability of wheat according to the highest international standards of accounting transparency. This has made the loan a target for attack simply because it limits theft and organizes the sector, akin to the advanced countries that have support programs for their citizens.
As for those talking about a special bread card, they are ignorant of the facts and provide the media and public opinion with unfounded information that undermines the credibility of those who announce and disseminate it. The Ministry of Economy and Trade reassures citizens that there is no bread crisis and urges media outlets to verify the accuracy of the fabricated information and false analyses being disseminated by those seeking to intimidate and exploit the citizen. They should obtain information from the correct source to avoid misleading the public."
