Food prices in Lebanon, denominated in US dollars, are a vital concern for families, residents, and visitors alike, particularly given the recent fluctuations in Lebanese markets.
Using the dollar as a benchmark aids consumers in understanding the actual cost of goods, circumventing the currency volatility of the Lebanese Lira.
Official data indicates that the Ministry of Economy and Trade monitors food basket prices with weekly reports covering various months in 2026. Recent reports reveal that food prices have been influenced by transport and import costs, alongside economic and security developments.
Food Prices in Lebanon in Dollars
Prices vary by region, brand, package size, and product type, making the following figures indicative rather than a universal listing.
Based on observations from March 2026, the approximate prices are:
Highlighted Food Prices
- Flour (per kg): Approximately $1.11.
- Rice (per kg): Approximately $2.64.
- Sugar (per kg): Approximately $0.89.
- Vegetable oil (per liter): Approximately $5.29.
- Milk (per liter): Approximately $0.60.
- Eggs (30 count): Approximately $4.83.
- Chicken (per kg): Approximately $7.23.
- Lamb (per kg): Approximately $17.81.
- Tomatoes (per kg): Approximately $1.28.
- Dates (per kg): Approximately $5.34.
These prices illustrate significant differences, particularly the higher cost of meats compared to grains and basic products.
Price of Rice in Lebanon in Dollars
In March 2026, the price for a kilogram of rice was approximately $2.64, varying by rice type, origin, brand, and package size.
Price of Sugar in Lebanon in Dollars
The same report recorded the price of a kilogram of sugar at approximately $0.89, a staple impacting the overall cost of the food basket.
Vegetable Oil Price in Lebanon
The cost of a liter of vegetable oil was approximately $5.29 in the published data. This product is significantly affected by import and global prices.
Milk Price in Lebanon in Dollars
Milk was priced at approximately $0.60 per liter, though this doesn't apply to infant or powdered milk due to differing compositions and sizes.
Price of Eggs in Lebanon in Dollars
A carton of 30 eggs was priced at about $4.83 in the March 2026 report.
Price of Chicken in Lebanon in Dollars
Chicken was priced at approximately $7.23 per kilogram, a key protein source affecting family food basket costs.
Meat Prices in Lebanon in Dollars
Red meat is a costly item, with lamb priced at about $17.81 per kilogram in March 2026, with prices varying greatly by type and source.
Price of Tomatoes and Vegetables in Lebanon
Tomatoes were priced at approximately $1.28 per kilogram, with vegetable prices showing greater seasonal and environmental-related variations.
Factors Influencing Food Prices in Lebanon
Import Costs
Lebanon relies heavily on imports, thus any increase in shipping or import costs is reflected in final product prices.
Exchange Rates
Despite relative monetary stability, market conditions and exchange rates notably affect imported products' pricing.
Oil and Transportation Costs
Energy and transportation prices heavily impact goods' movement costs.
Global Prices
Global market changes, especially for grains and oils, often impact local prices variably.
Are Food Prices in Lebanon Rising?
Food prices and consumer goods have exhibited significant movements in 2026, with a 10.06% rise in the Consumer Price Index in the first four months of 2026.
What Is the Cost of the Food Basket in Lebanon?
The World Food Programme's indicators show the cost of a basic survival food basket at about $42.2 per person in early March 2026.
Do Food Prices Differ Between Beirut and Other Areas?
Yes, regional differences exist due to transportation, rent, distribution costs, and market competition.
How Can One Reduce Food Purchasing Costs?
Families can lower costs by price comparing, purchasing seasonal goods, and avoiding bulk buys beyond needs.
Related:
Fruit Prices in Lebanon 2026Rice Price in Lebanon Bread Prices in Lebanon 2026