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Tuesday, October 20, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Lebanon · Country watch

Qatar's Energy Plan, Dairy Product Ban in Lebanon

Qatar plans to boost Lebanon's energy sector with new power plants, while Lebanon bans certain dairy products due to safety concerns.

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Lebanon are mixed today. Qatar's energy investment offers potential improvements, while dairy bans and ongoing political issues present challenges.

Flare-up watch: Calm — Lebanon country watch →

In this briefing Ministry of Economy and Trade (Lebanon) · Miral Taanayel · Qatar · Energy sector in Lebanon · Cabinet of Lebanon · Lebanese University

Regulation

  • Agriculture
  • Retail

Lebanon bans dairy products from three factories

Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade has suspended the sale of dairy products from three factories, including 'Miral Taanayel' in Qab Elias, after laboratory tests showed non-compliance with Lebanese standards. The tests revealed the presence of starch and vegetable oils in the products, which led to the decision aimed at protecting public health and consumer safety. The affected factories are now under scrutiny to ensure compliance with health regulations, according to Leb Economy.

Impact Dairy producers and retailers face disruptions as certain products are pulled from the market, affecting supply chains.

Sources: Leb Economy ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • Energy
  • Public sector

Qatar plans power plants, gas deal for Lebanon

Qatar plans to build two power plants in Lebanon over the next three years and sign a 20-year agreement to supply liquefied natural gas, according to a document seen by Reuters. This initiative aims to revitalize Lebanon's struggling energy sector, which has been a major factor in the country's ongoing financial and economic crisis. The proposed projects are expected to address chronic electricity shortages and reduce Lebanon's reliance on costly fuel imports.

Impact Energy sector stakeholders anticipate improved electricity supply and reduced costs, potentially stabilizing Lebanon's energy infrastructure.

Sources: Almaner News ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • Public sector
  • Finance

Lebanon Cabinet to discuss explosives, budget issues

Lebanon's Cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss several critical issues, including the seized explosives case and the draft budget account law for 2022. The agenda also includes discussions on the tenure of contract professors at the Lebanese University and a judicial organization law proposal. These discussions are part of broader attempts to address financial, judicial, and administrative challenges facing the country, according to An-Nahar.

Impact Public-sector employees and financial analysts are looking for outcomes that could impact fiscal policy and administrative reforms.

Watch Cabinet meeting on Thursday · 22 October 2026

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗

Also today in Lebanon

Sources in this briefing

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

All Lebanon briefings →

The same day elsewhere