Transportation Drivers Union Suspends Thursday Strike

The Transportation Drivers Union suspended its strike on Thursday to pave way for further consultations with the government, the state-run National News Agency reported.

“Prime Minister Najib Miqati vowed to discuss our demands with officials,” Fadi Abou Shaqra, advisor to the Gas Station Owners Association told Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) on Wednesday.

Earlier, a delegation from the Land Transportation Union held talks with the premier at the Grand Serail.

The delegation pointed out that Miqati will discuss their demands from outside the cabinet's agenda during Wednesday's session.

On Tuesday, a meeting between head of the public drivers syndicate Bassam Tleis and Miqati failed to avert the Transportation Drivers Union's strike.

Tleis rejected any attempts by officials to slap additional burdens on the people.

“The premier is convinced about the importance of setting a cap for fuel prices despite the economic and financial situations, but taxi drivers are suffering,” Tleis said.

The Transportation Drivers Union announced earlier this month that it will stage a strike on February 28 to protest high fuel prices and demanded the cabinet to cap rising gasoline prices, calling on all the Lebanese people to participate in their rally.

Soaring fuel prices have exacerbated Lebanon’s already battered economy as rising production costs put more pressure on industrialists and farmers.

The transportation sector had continuously staged several similar strikes.

The weekly update of fuel prices showed on Wednesday a further hike of LL500 on gasoline prices, while the diesel prices increased by LL100.

The price of 95-octane rated fuel now costs LL37,100, while the 98-octane rated fuel is selling at LL37,800.

The price of diesel now sells at LL28,200.