The Governor of Northern Lebanon, Judge Ramzi Nahra, issued a circular prohibiting the stockpiling of goods with the intent to monopolize and achieve illegal profits. The text of the circular states: "Given that, within the framework of proactive security measures, there is concern that some traders may exploit the circumstances and challenges facing the nation to hoard food and essential materials with the aim of monopolizing them and raising prices in the future. These actions constitute a criminal offense and are considered acts of fraud and unlawful speculation that lead to panic and fear among citizens, in addition to depriving them of food and goods, which may affect their food security. Therefore, it is requested that the mayors be informed to conduct a thorough survey of all warehouses and stores selling food and consumer goods and ensure that they are not stockpiling these materials for the purpose of monopolization and price speculation in the event of any crisis. It is also requested to organize reports against violators or in the case of price manipulation to achieve illegal profits and to request security assistance in case traders refuse to carry out the required survey."
He added: "Moreover, the Directorate of Economy in the North is requested to assign necessary personnel to conduct intensive and continuous patrols on food selling stores and carry out an inventory of their warehouses to ensure that goods are not being hoarded for monopolization, and to display sufficient quantities on shelves in stores without withholding them from citizens. There should also be monitoring of the prices of these goods to ensure that profit margins remain within permissible limits, and to organize reports against violators and submit a copy to us, in addition to informing us of any repeated violations so that appropriate measures can be taken against violators in accordance with Articles 41 and 63 of Legislative Decree No. 37 dated 09/09/1983."
