The Food Importers Syndicate, headed by Hani Bohsali, issued a statement in which it indicated that the significant increase in the cost of sea freight globally, in addition to the tensions in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea and the resulting increase in the cost of shipping and insurance, would impose increasing pressure on food prices during the next stage. On the other hand, the union clarified that these factors have not yet been reflected in food prices in the local market, considering that some of the statements that spoke of a significant increase in food prices in Lebanon are not based on accurate data. The union confirmed that most imported food prices remain stable within controlled margins since the beginning of this year, while some items recorded limited increases that did not exceed a percentage ranging between 5 or 7%. She stressed that the periodic reports issued by the Central Statistics Department constitute the basic reference for monitoring changes in the prices and costs of basic goods and services, noting in this context that the department’s latest report showed a decline in food prices by 2.5% between the months of March and June 2026.