Tuesday, October 13, 2026English edition
EN FRTry Talia free
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Lebanon · Country watch

Lebanon Tax Crackdown, Dollar Surge, Oil at $107

Lebanon intensifies tax enforcement on 107 firms; dollar spikes, oil hits $107, affecting finance and energy sectors.

· · 3 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Conditions in Lebanon are deteriorating due to intensified tax enforcement on 107 companies and rising costs from a strong dollar and high oil prices. This affects finance and energy sectors, increasing operational costs and compliance burdens.

In this briefing Ministry of Finance (Lebanon) · US Dollar · Brent Crude · Donald Trump

Regulation

  • finance
  • public-sector

Finance Ministry targets 107 firms for tax evasion

Lebanon's Ministry of Finance has intensified its crackdown on tax evasion, referring 107 companies to the financial public prosecutor, according to An-Nahar. This move is part of a broader effort initiated in 2023 to enhance tax collection and ensure compliance among major taxpayers. The ministry aims to shift from merely requesting timely tax payments to enforcing legal compliance within set deadlines. This initiative is expected to improve public revenue streams and ensure financial stability.

Impact Major taxpayers in Lebanon face increased scrutiny and legal action for non-compliance, impacting financial operations.

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗, Leb Economy ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance
  • energy

Dollar near 18-month high, oil rises amid conflict

Current Federal Reserve Notes as of June 2018
Current Federal Reserve Notes as of June 2018 US Federal Reserve, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

The US dollar remains near its 18-month peak as investors seek safe-haven assets amid ongoing Middle East conflicts, reports An-Nahar. Concurrently, oil prices have increased following attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi oil tankers. These developments come ahead of significant US inflation data expected later this week, which could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The rise in oil prices and the strong dollar are likely to impact global markets, including Lebanon's import costs and energy sector.

Impact Importers and energy firms in Lebanon face higher costs due to the strong dollar and rising oil prices.

Watch US inflation data release later this week.

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗, Leb Economy ↗

  • energy

Oil price hits $107 despite Trump's softer tone

Oil prices have reached $107 per barrel, according to Almaner News, despite US President Donald Trump's recent softer rhetoric regarding negotiations with Iran. The price increase follows weeks of volatility, with oil nearing $110 per barrel. Trump's comments about progress in talks with Iran have previously influenced market perceptions, but the current price level suggests ongoing supply concerns. This price surge affects energy costs globally, including in Lebanon, where fuel prices are a critical economic factor.

Impact Energy companies and consumers in Lebanon face higher costs as oil prices rise to $107 per barrel.

Sources: Almaner News ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Lebanon

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All Lebanon briefings →

The same day elsewhere