As Israeli attacks continue, Lebanon is grappling with soaring inflation and stagnant food production, raising fears of an impending food crisis.
Data showed that over 1.2 million people are currently displaced, with many families seeking refuge from Israeli airstrikes. Meanwhile, inflation rates have surged beyond 40 percent, causing the prices of essential goods to skyrocket. Basic necessities have become unaffordable for many families.
Yahya is currently living in an underground basement with his family in Beirut after fleeing from the airstrikes. The room is the only place they can afford with his family stuck in a poor financial situation.
"My father lost his job. The financial situation for my family is bad. I found myself a job, so I can assist my family now,” said Yahya.
With prices skyrocketing, Yahya must work longer hours to make ends meet. What used to be manageable has become an exhausting routine of extended shifts to cover basic needs.
"Things were better back then because prices were reasonable. Now everything has doubled in price. I used to work nine hours a day, but I have to work 12 hours now to meet my family's needs. It's exhausting," he said.
Even before the outbreak of hostilities, Lebanon's economy was fragile. Despite inflation rates exceeding 35 percent, prices remained relatively stable. However, since the onset of the conflict, the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse.
Inflation has skyrocketed, surpassing 40 percent, and the cost of necessities has doubled or even tripled, making it incredibly difficult to afford everyday items like food and fuel.
The ongoing airstrikes have driven farmers and field workers away from their lands, leaving fields untended and crops unharvested. This disruption in agricultural production has further exacerbated the situation, leading to rising food prices.
"The directly related sector to agriculture is the agro-food sector. The industrial agro-food sector in Lebanon is the largest and the most productive sector. If this sector will stop, we will be facing a food crisis in Lebanon because 60 percent of the food in Lebanon is coming from the agriculture and the agro-food sector," said Hashem Abou Jaoud, a political-economist and expert in labor, markets and socio-economic development.
Many are now deeply concerned that Lebanon could soon face a full-blown food crisis, as the nation, already ravaged by conflict, struggles to secure even the basic necessities.
Lebanon faces rising inflation, looming food crisis as Israeli attacks continue
Shanghai's shopping hubs have blended retail with cultural experience this winter, attracting consumers with themed markets, live performances, and art exhibitions to boost spending.
At the start of 2026, many commercial districts in Shanghai enhanced consumer experience and stimulated spending enthusiasm through diverse celebratory activities, turning them into immersive seasonal destinations.
Even on weekdays, the East Market Bonfire Fair and Panlong Water Market at Panlong Tiandi still draw large crowds.
"Such a stylish and lovely place. I come here for a walk every day," said a resident.
"It's more modern and fresh. There are these integrated stores here that kind of break away from the traditional look and feel," said another.
Consumption incentives such as complimentary cultural and creative gifts upon reaching specified spending thresholds and discounts at designated stores have been introduced here. At the same time, the commercial district is committed to preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage.
The district rolled out consumption incentives, including complimentary cultural gifts for shoppers meeting spending thresholds and discounts at designated stores. Last month, it drew 1.85 million visitors and generated 74 million yuan (about 10.6 million U.S. dollars) in sales.
"It's a great experience for the kid. Since he grew up in Germany, this is quite a novel experience for him," said a visitor.
"I've been selling sugar art at this water market for two and a half years now. Our business has been really good. For us, it's not just about running a business. We're also keeping a tradition alive," said the owner of a sugar painting stall.
Similarly, Xintiandi, a major commercial hub in central Shanghai, also launched new winter cultural tourism offerings to boost consumption. About 30 aurora light shows and over 40 roaming street performances are scheduled to be held here, lasting from day to night for nearly a month.
"We have worked with four different artists. They have different illustrations to tell people the story of Dongtai Road going back to 60 years ago. Every year, we organize four to six different markets, three of which are flower-themed," said Clarence Lee, senior commercial director of Shui On Xintiandi, a commercial property investor and manager.
"There are some cosmetic counters opened here, and they offer spa services. I think this is a really great gift option for the Spring Festival," said a visitor.
Xintiandi, meanwhile, has been staging its own celebration with a Winter Wonderlust Market and 15 live performances, offering visitors a rich multi-sensory experience.
"It's a good mixture between European architecture [and] Chinese one, and also I really like now to see it with the lights during the night. People from Shanghai are very nice and very relaxed during the day, but also during the night," said Davide, a visitor from Italy.
To stimulate retail and tourism consumption, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce said that it will allocate more than 90 million yuan (about 12.89 million U.S. dollars) in fiscal funds to 12 key districts during the New Year and Spring Festival, including Lujiazui, West Nanjing Road, Xujiahui and Wujiaochang.
The support will include vouchers, spend-and-save promotions, and prize-draw activities.
Shanghai blends shopping with cultural themes to boost winter spending
