BEIRUT, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese government on Wednesday approved three additional monthly salaries for public sector employees in light of a nationwide strike last week protesting low salaries in the country.

       A statement released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers noted that civil employees and military service members, including the retired ones, will receive three additional salaries monthly.

       With the additional salaries, the minimum monthly salary for public sector employees will rise to 400 U.S. dollars.

       The government will also provide gasoline for each public sector employee for a maximum of 14 working days, aiming to reduce their transportation cost amidst rising fuel prices.

       Lebanon has been facing an unprecedented financial crisis, leading to the collapse of the local currency, which devalues the salaries by over 90 percent.

       Lebanon's financial crisis plunged over 80 percent of the population into poverty as many people also lost access to their bank deposits and savings.