Tuesday, September 22, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Lebanon · Country watch

Lebanon Inflation Surges, Political Tensions Rise

Lebanon's inflation remains high, and political tensions increase as government stability is questioned.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Lebanon are deteriorating due to high inflation and increasing political tensions. Persistent inflation affects costs for retailers and financial institutions, while political instability threatens public-sector operations.

In this briefing World Bank · Iran · United States · Sami Gemayel

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance
  • retail

Lebanon inflation at 15.48%, triple global average

Washington, DC
Washington, DC ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Lebanon's inflation rate reached 15.48% in July 2026, significantly higher than the global average of 4.69%, according to the World Bank figures reported by An-Nahar. The persistent high inflation in Lebanon is attributed to import costs, energy prices, insurance and financing risks, weak competition, and high operational costs. These factors contribute to price increases that do not decrease as quickly when global prices fall.

Impact Importers and retailers in Lebanon face higher costs due to persistent inflation at 15.48%.

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗

  • finance

Gold prices fall amid Middle East tensions

Gold prices decreased on Monday as traders assessed developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on inflation and interest rates, according to An-Nahar and Almaner News. Spot gold fell 0.3% to $4,362.60 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures dropped 0.6% to $4,400.20. The decline follows new threats exchanged between Iran and the United States.

Impact Gold traders and investors see decreased gold prices, impacting valuations and trading strategies.

Sources: Almaner News ↗, An-Nahar النهار ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • public-sector

Lebanese political rift over government's future

Lebanese political leaders are facing a significant rift over the future of the current government, with MP Sami Gemayel stating it could be the 'last government' if it fails, reports Leb Economy. The statement reflects deep divisions among the country's top leaders on critical governance issues, suggesting a potential shift in Lebanon's political landscape.

Impact Public-sector operations and policy-making may be affected by political instability and leadership disputes.

Sources: Leb Economy ↗

Also today in Lebanon

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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