Lebanon Leaders Reach Short-term Deal on Fuel Subsidies 

BEIRUT - Lebanese leaders agreed to a short-term compromise to maintain fuel subsidies, the presidency and prime minister's office said Saturday, a move that will trigger more price hikes. 

Earlier this month, the central bank said it could no longer support fuel imports at a preferential exchange rate, in what many saw as a de facto end to subsidies. Widespread panic ensued, with distributors scaling back deliveries until new prices were announced and desperate motorists forming long queues outside gas stations.  At a time when the state electricity supply is almost nonexistent, fuel oil to run backup generators to power homes, businesses and even hospitals has also been in short supply.