Israeli airstrikes are disrupting supply chains in Lebanon, making it difficult to access essential goods in the affected areas. Yet, the resilient Lebanese people are finding ways to organize and adapt.
The supply of food, medicine and fuel in the bombed regions of Lebanon has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Limited access to certain areas is complicating deliveries, and rising demand coupled with restricted supply could drive up the prices of essential goods.
Hani Bohsali, president of the Food Importers Syndicate, told This is Beirut that it’s “absolutely impossible to supply all regions; products are being delivered to areas that remain accessible.” As for the others, “we can’t take the risk,” he added, noting that “some customers in high-risk areas are sending their own trucks to collect orders.” Bohsali has called for simplified customs procedures to accelerate the delivery of goods to the Lebanese people.
The president of the Millers’ Union, Ahmad Hoteit, told This is Beirut that most bakeries in South Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs are either closed or destroyed. The few still operating are in areas that remain somewhat accessible. For the Beqaa region, “local drivers familiar with the roads are using trucks to load and deliver wheat.”
On the subject of medications, the president of the Importers’ Union, Joe Ghorayeb, noted that orders have dropped in the affected regions. However, distributors have coordinated with hospitals and pharmacies to meet at designated points for product pickups, ensuring that deliveries continue in conflict zones.
Regarding fuel, the president of the Fuel Importers’ Union, Maroun Chammas, explained that “no one is requesting gasoline or diesel in these areas, as they are largely depopulated.” He also mentioned that “distributors are unable to reach these locations.”
Available Stocks of Livestock and Vegetables
In this context, caretaker Minister of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan emphasized that “the ministry has made food security a top priority and is working to ensure the continuous availability of essential products.”
William Boutros, president of the Poultry Syndicate, remarked that “local production is adequate to meet market demand, but prices are still below operating costs,” adding that “production from the south accounts for approximately 15% of the total national output.”
Majed Eid, a member of the Livestock Importers Syndicate, noted that “there is enough cattle stock to last for two to three months, as cows have been relocated from the south to safer areas based on available resources.”
Similarly, Ali Fadel, a member of the Fruits and Vegetables Importers and Exporters Syndicate, confirmed that “the quantities of fruits and vegetables available are sufficient to meet market demand,” emphasizing that “approximately 60,000 tons of potatoes are currently in storage.”
Overall, the humanitarian situation in South Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Beqaa region could become extremely critical if the conflict escalates and continues.
