With gas prices high, taxi drivers turn to ‘the bottle’

Plastic jug in trunk is insurance policy for many

SIDON: “The bottle” has become a main piece of equipment for taxi drivers in Sidon and South Lebanon due to the high cost of fuel. The object in question is a normal water bottle used as a refill container for gasoline by taxi, or service, drivers in times of emergency. Marwan Sabaa, who admits to using “the bottle,” said at LL21,000 for 20 liters, most drivers cannot afford to fill their gas tanks to the brim.

Consequently, many drivers are putting only LL3,000 in their cars and keeping the bottle in the trunk for emergencies.

“While we are driving in circles in search of passengers our engines are consuming more and more fuel,” Sabaa said, adding that when his engine starts to sputter and give off the tell-tale signs that fuel is low, he resorts to the bottle.

Sabaa blames the increased number of taxis on Lebanon’s roads on the government for allowing anyone capable of filling out an application for a public driver’s license to do so. A government decision four years ago included all public drivers in the National Social Security Fund.

Daily Star (Lebanon)