Lebanon · Country watch

Ogero Strike, Gold Prices Rise, Budget Talks Begin

Ogero workers announce an open strike, gold prices recover, and Lebanon begins 2027 budget discussions.

Florent Kalfon · 26 October 2026 · 3 articles read

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Business conditions in Lebanon are mixed today as Ogero workers start an open strike impacting telecom services, while gold prices rise and budget talks begin, offering some stability in finance and public sectors.

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In this briefing Ministry of Economy and Trade (Lebanon) · Ogero · Federal Reserve · Gold · Yassin Jaber · Lebanon

Regulation

Public sector
Retail

Economy Ministry conducts 19,871 inspections

The Ministry of Economy and Trade in Lebanon conducted 19,871 field inspections from 2 January to 23 October 2026, focusing on compliance with pricing and safety standards, according to Almaner News. The inspections resulted in 1,057 violation reports, with 640 related to the electric generator sector and 340 concerning other sectors.

Impact Retailers and service providers face increased scrutiny as the Ministry enforces compliance with consumer protection laws.

Sources: Almaner News ↗

Disruption

Telecom

Ogero workers announce open-ended strike

Logo of the Telecommunications Company of Lebanon (OGERO), this logo used since 2018. — OGERO Telecom, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

The Ogero workers' union announced an open-ended strike starting Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in protest against the refusal to amend certain provisions of Law 431, which they claim is crucial for securing their rights and benefits, particularly compensations under Law 161. The union's statement outlined the strike's compliance mechanisms, including a complete absence from work centers and the cessation of attendance registration, according to An-Nahar النهار and Leb Economy.

Impact Telecom operators face potential service disruptions as Ogero workers strike indefinitely.

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗, Leb Economy ↗

Markets

Finance

Gold prices recover amid falling oil costs

Gold prices rose on Monday, recovering from a three-month low as falling oil prices alleviated some inflation concerns, ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision this week. Spot gold increased by 0.6% to $4,020.60 per ounce, according to An-Nahar النهار. Investors are closely watching the Fed's decision, which could clarify the future path of interest rates.

Impact Gold traders and investors see a price increase as gold rebounds above $4,000 per ounce.

Watch The U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is expected on Wednesday. · 28 October 2026

Sources: An-Nahar النهار ↗

Politics

Public sector
Finance

Lebanon begins 2027 budget discussions

Lebanon's Finance Minister Yassin Jaber presented the 2027 budget proposal to the parliamentary finance and budget committee. The budget is part of a five-year financial and reform plan aimed at maintaining financial and monetary stability, addressing social and humanitarian needs, restoring confidence, and preparing Lebanon for sustainable recovery and growth, according to An-Nahar النهار. Jaber emphasized that the 2027 budget is a step in a broader vision rather than an isolated measure.

Impact Public-sector planners and financial analysts focus on Lebanon's new budget as part of a long-term recovery plan.