Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat reported that inspectors have conducted 19,400 field inspections across Lebanon since the beginning of 2026. These monitoring efforts aim to ensure market compliance and consumer safety throughout the country. The scale of these operations reflects a significant commitment by the ministry to oversee commercial activities in various sectors. By maintaining a consistent presence in the marketplace, the ministry intends to deter illicit practices and ensure that businesses operate within the boundaries of established law.
Consumer protection inspectors have issued over 1,000 judicial reports against businesses found in violation of regulations during this period. Minister Amer Bisat stated, "We will continue monitoring and holding violators accountable to protect citizens from exploitation." The ministry remains focused on maintaining these enforcement levels to address ongoing concerns regarding fair trade practices. These judicial reports serve as the primary mechanism for formalizing charges against commercial entities that fail to meet the required standards. The ministry utilizes these records to facilitate legal proceedings and ensure that individual cases of non-compliance are processed through the appropriate judicial channels.
Monitoring Private Electricity Generators
Authorities have conducted around 800 inspections of private electricity generators as part of the broader effort to regulate utility costs. These monitoring operations focus on ensuring that operators adhere to established pricing structures. Given the reliance of many households on private providers, the oversight of this sector has become a priority for the ministry. Inspectors are tasked with verifying that the rates charged to consumers align with the government-mandated price lists.
Officials have carried out 64 seizures related to private electricity generator monitoring during these inspections. These enforcement actions target operators found in breach of compliance standards. The seizure of equipment is an escalation of current enforcement tactics, designed to disrupt the operations of those who persistently ignore regulatory pricing directives. By removing the means of operation from non-compliant providers, the ministry seeks to enforce adherence to the law and stabilize the costs associated with essential utility services. The ministry continues to evaluate the effectiveness of these seizures as part of its strategy to curb unauthorized pricing.
A new consumer protection law is intended to increase fines and speed up judicial procedures to combat price hikes and monopolies. Proposed changes aim to strengthen the legal framework governing market practices and provide authorities with more effective tools to address commercial violations. The legislative proposal is currently under review, with the objective of creating a more strong deterrent against market manipulation. By increasing the financial penalties associated with violations, the ministry hopes to discourage businesses from engaging in predatory pricing or monopolistic behaviors. The acceleration of judicial procedures is expected to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the consumer protection apparatus. The ministry expects that these legislative updates will provide a more full foundation for future enforcement activities.
