FOOD shortages in Lebanon are driving people to barter for sustenance on social media as a deepening financial crisis leads the price of basic goods to skyrocket.

The Lebanon Barters Facebook group has exposed desperation in the country as families try to swap items, such as children’s clothing and gym equipment, for food.

Food prices have shot up by 72 per cent since May, and Consumer Protection Association spokesman Zuhair Berro said that the situation has worsened in the last two weeks, with prices increasing by 100 per cent.

Lebanon relies heavily on imported goods, incurring high costs as its unstable currency has lost 80 per cent of its value.

Protests followed a government-imposed rise in subsidised bread prices last month, though a deal was struck on Tuesday to maintain subsidies on essential items.

The World Food Programme reported in June that 50 per cent of the population fears not having enough food. 

Lebanon Barters has grown to more than 16,000 members in the past month while the government has offered very little support for those struggling due to the crisis.

The page’s founder, Hassan Hasna, said the page is getting about 200 requests a day as people become more reliant on exchanging goods and services for basic items.

“Times are difficult but we won’t go begging for aid. They’re doing the impossible to survive, and live with dignity,” he said.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that “calm discussions” were underway with the government over the possibility of trading oil with Iran in exchange for Lebanese pounds.

The move, if accepted, would help to ease pressure on Lebanon’s hard currency reserves, which face a liquidity crunch.