Lebanon transport workers on Thursday began protesting the continuous surge in gas, food prices and the decline of national currency.

The demonstration, which was called by the Lebanese union of land transport workers, saw the protesters block all the main roads in Beirut and important transport corridors across Lebanon. 

Ahmad Qubaisi, a union member from Nabatieh, said the workers had to undertake such measures to be heard by the authorities. 

“The previous time we organised a preventive action and blocked the roads from 5 a. m. – 10 a. m. [03:00 – 08:00 GMT].

“Today, we have blocked all the roads since 04:00 a. m. Our demands are primarily related to the stabilization of the dollar exchange rate and the regulation of food prices. 

“Petrol prices have become unacceptable and continue to grow even now, as the demonstration is taking place,” he said. 

In Beirut, the protesters blocked the central square, the Hamra Street and the Verdun district, as well as the highway leading to the airport near the embassy of Kuwait.

Since 5:00 a.m., motorists have also blocked the major highway linking the capital with the south of the country in the Khalde region, and the roadway leading to the north in Al-Daur region.

Mr Qubaisi said it is important that the Lebanese support the strike, as living standards are getting worse for everybody.

“If they want to change something, they should incarcerate bankers and the head of the central bank. They should be forced to take measures, but at the moment the living conditions are only getting worse,” he added.

The protest action would continue until 5:00 p.m., with the head of the union expected to announce further actions.

The strike in Beirut is currently peaceful, without any mass gatherings of people or intervention of law enforcement forces.

(Sputnik/NAN)