Published on 6/18/2026
The continuous rise in fuel prices cast a shadow over the transportation sector in Lebanon, as it led to an increase in the cost of movement between regions, especially the southern ones, as the trip fare to cities such as Tire and Nabatieh has become no less than $50, as they are considered very dangerous areas in light of the Israeli war on the country.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, public driver Saeed Muhammad Aqbani said that the cost of moving to the south has risen significantly compared to previous years, explaining that it was possible to reach the south for about $20, while today the cost is no less than $50, adding that the difficult security and living conditions force drivers to continue working despite the risks.
For his part, Muhammad Al-Khayyat pointed out that “the prices of fuel and other goods continue to rise, while many passengers refuse to pay the required fare.”
Al-Khayyat also complained about the competition imposed by private cars on public drivers, considering that the lack of oversight exacerbates the crisis and negatively affects the livelihood of workers in the sector.
Decreased mobility
In turn, Hassan Kaoush confirmed that the situation in the south affected various citizens, pointing out that he did not raise transportation tariffs despite the rise in fuel prices, as the passenger fare still amounts to 200 thousand liras (about two dollars).
As for the driver, Fayek Al-Tuaimi, he explained that the rise in fuel prices led to a decline in movement, noting that he now makes one trip a day after he used to make three or four trips.
He added, “Drivers are considering raising the tariff, but they take into account the difficult living conditions of passengers, hoping to improve employee salaries, which will reflect positively on economic activity and the transportation sector.”
In the same context, Musa Ali Aoun described the conditions of public drivers in Lebanon as “very negative,” considering that any illness or malfunction affecting the car directly threatens the driver’s livelihood, in the absence of any protection or support network.
For her part, a Palestinian refugee woman in Lebanon said that transportation fees gradually increased from 100,000 liras (about a dollar) to 200,000 (about two dollars), noting that prices differ from one driver to another.
The woman added that living conditions have become more difficult, while workers’ salaries are not commensurate with the continuing rise in the costs of life.
