Hamra, Sanayeh Roads Blocked by Taxi Drivers Reopened

Taxi drivers blocked roads with their vehicles Tuesday during a protest against the increasing prices of gasoline, consumer goods and the crash of the local currency.

The taxi drivers protested in front of the Interior Ministry, blocking Hamra's main street and also Martyrs Square in downtown Beirut.

All the roads leading to Hamra and Sanayeh were later reopened, the National News Agency said.

Scores of protesters had also blocked major roads on Monday to express anger at the country’s political class for the worsening economic crisis and harsh living conditions.

Lebanon’s economic crisis deteriorated in recent weeks with the Lebanese pound hitting a new low, eradicating the purchasing power of most of the country’s residents, who get paid in Lebanese pounds.

Prices have been skyrocketing as the government lifted subsidies on fuel and some medicines, making them out of reach for many in Lebanon.

The crisis has been made worse by the coronavirus, the August 2020 explosion in Beirut's port and a recent diplomatic row with the Gulf countries.