![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MFCBULML5NP7EQ3PNVIDMFSVLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1c54a6ebb175f62416c111eddf4f5c6d32a8a6e8c9204d207666ee57d10e4df0&width=400&height=225)
People listen to Al Hussein's sermon in the coastal town of Jiyeh, south of Beirut. AP
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A crowded petrol station on the main road that links Beirut to south Lebanon. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KDHLBOCH2YA7LGEZBNSIDP454E.jpg?smart=true&auth=39fe3df410a75c4dda5f309a6fbc955a43eb901f4aa2b62de8dc2b5c514c3441&width=400&height=225)
Drivers come from every direction to fill their tanks with fuel. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JAQ53X7NABVQASZHDJM2S2WFVI.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b8b6fda32fb5f4fbd73abd91f773769061d46204ae8afc6d1a3b71962af6fff&width=400&height=225)
Chronic fuel shortages have plagued the country in recent months, with long queues at petrol stations a common sight. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F4CWPSTVJ6SSO2JFFRHFFY6WUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=224c82606ca345f9b83e6db5b6af1974fe28e5ef9d5503e19d9ce2ac81ab70c2&width=400&height=225)
Last month, central bank governor Riad Salameh announced that fuel imports would no longer be subsidised. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S3UNKV7Z7AUG5AJMULCZEV7AI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=395d9a93b5ddc87ea03b981b56b3272c4bff0193b2ec52aaf44f6f696ce50981&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers listen as cleric Ali Al Hussein delivers a sermon during Friday prayers at a fuel station to protest against the severe shortages. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MFCBULML5NP7EQ3PNVIDMFSVLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1c54a6ebb175f62416c111eddf4f5c6d32a8a6e8c9204d207666ee57d10e4df0&width=400&height=225)
People listen to Al Hussein's sermon in the coastal town of Jiyeh, south of Beirut. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FWVBRJ7VXSO47R7Q5NAXKTDCXA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ee7b934d1a8318ed38f115ed3bdfa7a99cf8a90bba8b4212dc03038c96ffc3aa&width=400&height=225)
A crowded petrol station on the main road that links Beirut to south Lebanon. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KDHLBOCH2YA7LGEZBNSIDP454E.jpg?smart=true&auth=39fe3df410a75c4dda5f309a6fbc955a43eb901f4aa2b62de8dc2b5c514c3441&width=400&height=225)
Drivers come from every direction to fill their tanks with fuel. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JAQ53X7NABVQASZHDJM2S2WFVI.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b8b6fda32fb5f4fbd73abd91f773769061d46204ae8afc6d1a3b71962af6fff&width=400&height=225)
Chronic fuel shortages have plagued the country in recent months, with long queues at petrol stations a common sight. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F4CWPSTVJ6SSO2JFFRHFFY6WUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=224c82606ca345f9b83e6db5b6af1974fe28e5ef9d5503e19d9ce2ac81ab70c2&width=400&height=225)
Last month, central bank governor Riad Salameh announced that fuel imports would no longer be subsidised. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S3UNKV7Z7AUG5AJMULCZEV7AI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=395d9a93b5ddc87ea03b981b56b3272c4bff0193b2ec52aaf44f6f696ce50981&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers listen as cleric Ali Al Hussein delivers a sermon during Friday prayers at a fuel station to protest against the severe shortages. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MFCBULML5NP7EQ3PNVIDMFSVLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1c54a6ebb175f62416c111eddf4f5c6d32a8a6e8c9204d207666ee57d10e4df0&width=400&height=225)
People listen to Al Hussein's sermon in the coastal town of Jiyeh, south of Beirut. AP