Parliamentary Committee Proposes Temporary Solution to Cement Shortage Crisis

The Public Works, Transport, Energy, and Water Committee convened a session at the Parliament, chaired by MP Saji Atiyeh, with the attendance of Environment Minister Tamara Al-Zein, Economy Minister Amer Al-Bassat, Industry Minister Joe Issa Al-Khoury, committee members, and representatives from relevant administrations.

Following the session, Atiyeh stated, "As you know, our meeting was prompted by the significant pressure caused by the rise in cement prices, due to the closure of two plants in the north. This created public pressure, especially as we approach the summer season and reconstruction efforts. Hundreds of thousands of families have halted their work due to the sudden inflation in prices. Upon the request of my colleagues in the committee, we held a session attended by the ministers of environment, economy, and industry, along with parliamentary committee heads. We reached a practical conclusion and are pleased to inform the Lebanese that, God willing, by the end of next week, cement will be available throughout Lebanon at prices regulated by the Ministry of Economy. Tomorrow morning, the Minister of Environment will sign the approval for the National Council for Quarries and Crushers' decision, and by Monday morning, the northern governor, through the Minister of Interior, will expedite the payment of fees. Hopefully, in the coming days, the plants will resume maintenance and begin operations."

He added, "There was a delay; as a parliamentary committee, we had hoped to grant a grace period until the environmental conditions requested by Her Excellency the Minister of Environment are implemented. I salute her efforts as she works toward a permanent solution. We agreed that the Minister of Environment will sign this week, followed by the Ministry of Interior next week, granting all licenses within a week so that production can start and prices return to normal."

Atiyeh further explained, "A committee was formed with the Ministers of Industry and Economy to explore the possibility of importing cement and ensuring that the plants comply with all technical conditions, including payment of all required fees, as well as coordination with local development authorities for the surrounding municipalities. We are also seriously examining the issue of price inflation to enable the plants to continue operating."

He concluded, "These are temporary solutions, and a permanent resolution must be found. The general master plan for quarries and crushers needs to be revisited."