Protesters Block Roads in Lebanon Amid Deepening Economic Decline

Protesters in Lebanon have blocked roads due to the worsening economic decline, which has led to a fuel crisis and a severe shortage of electricity.

The protests come in anticipation of rising fuel prices, which the Ministry of Energy announced will take effect on June 29.

Local media report that the shortage of fuel has caused power cuts that have disrupted the main hospital in the capital, Beirut, as well as security forces headquarters.

AFP reporters have indicated that protesters in Beirut have blocked major roads and set fire to tires and garbage bins.

The National News Agency of Lebanon reports that roads north and southeast of the capital have also been closed.

In the southern city of Nabatiyeh, protesters parked vehicles near the main road to halt traffic.

The protests follow clashes between security forces and demonstrators over the weekend, resulting in about 20 injuries in the northern city of Tripoli, all amid a sharp decline in the Lebanese pound.

The local currency is now being sold at a record low of more than 17,000 Lebanese pounds to one dollar in the black market.