Average monthly family expenditure in Lebanon is LBP 3 million and minimum salary LBP 675 thousands

As Safir newspaper published a report, yesterday, on the current economic vulnerability of low income families in Lebanon and stating that the average monthly expenditures of families often exceeds LBP 3 million whilst the minimum wage is set at 675000 monthly only.  The report refers to a study done earlier by the newspaper in an attempt to uncover the realities of families throughout Lebanon.  As Safir also shares the results of a small survey covering 10 families and which indicated that most families need a basic minimum of LBP 3 million to cover basic food costs as well as normal bills.  According to the findings of As Safir, a family of four people needs every month an average of 20 packs of bread (LBP 30,000), a bottle of olive oil (LBP 8,000), a variety of grains and additives including beans, lentils, rice, sugar and salt (at least LBP 50,000), some 4 to 5 kilograms of red meat (LBP30,000 per kilo for veal and LBP 15,000 for beef) in addition to fruits and vegetables (at least LBP 100,000), and two kilograms of dairy products (LBP 7 to 8,000 per kilo).  The cost of the preceding necessities gives an average total of LBP 300,000 in addition to electricity bills (LBP75,000), subscription in private generator (LBP150,000), water (LBP45,000), rent (LBP450,000), school tuition fees and supplies (LBP500,000). As Safir also points put to the disastrous price of heating as the price of a plate of diesel reaches up to LBP 27,000, and firewood costs LBP 300,000 per ton which are not included in the previously mentioned total.
As Safir wonders how families with a middle income can survive.  The newspaper shares the story of Walid who has two children and is in charge of his elderly father.  Walid has not been able to pay tuition fees for his children for the past two years and is unable to provide medicines for his father who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, and this despite the fact that he holds two jobs (a waiter during the day and a concierge during the night).  Samer, a father to four children, is forced to pay for the cost of wood and fuel as well as other consumables in installments, especially since he has now become unemployed after that his employer resorted to lower paid foreign worker.  Layal, mother of three, who works at a company that sells computers receives the minimum wage of LBP 675000 whilst her husband’s income from his own repair shop exceeds LBP 2 million, says that their combined income can hardly suffice for half of the month although she admits that she is in a much better position than many other households.  She wonders; how can families survive with only one salary?
Source: Al-Safir 19 November 2013