MANAMA: The price of mutton in the country’s main market has reduced as a result of an agreement among the traders.
Mutton, which was priced at BD3 per kilo last week at the Manama Central market, has now been reduced to BD2.800 per kilo as a result of retailers objecting to the price increase imposed by two importers.
The GDN reported on Friday that traders banded together to put an end to an alleged monopoly on mutton imports, which they claimed had resulted in a steep price increase. The retailers were forced to halt sales on April 5 and 6 due to their refusal to buy mutton from the two importers – an Indian and a Pakistani national – after they raised the prices allegedly without justification. In a meeting that followed the Manama Central Market Malayalees Association (MCMMA) had come to a consensus that five other traders will work out ways to import mutton.
MCMMA president Poozhithala Ashkar told the GDN that objecting to buy or sell mutton in the market for two days was a “good decision”.
“Mutton prices have settled in the market and it is again back to BD2.800 per kilo, as two other importers stepped in,” said Mr Ashkar.
“They procured mutton which was sold to the retailers for BD2.550 and we are selling it to the customer for BD2.800, which was the price in the market before.
“It was a good decision that we refused to accept the price hike; it helped all – retailers and the end customers.”
Mr Ashkar noted that the two traders who held a monopoly on the import had approached fellow-traders seeking to negotiate.
“Of the two old importers, the Indian man had already come to terms and was ready for negotiation, but the Pakistani national had objected and had threatened that he will take us to court,” he said.
“But now on Sunday he came to us and negotiated as well as accepted his mistake and promised not to repeat it.
“He agreed to sell mutton to us at a reduced price of BD2.400 and also has put on the table an offer for Friday – a sale price of BD2.300.
“We are yet to decide as to what to do, because we are not wanting anyone to make losses – all we wanted is fair trade – hopefully we will take a decision in the next two days on this matter.
“But as of now we have mutton coming into the market at a reasonable price and the end price for the buyer is BD2.800.”
Mr Ashkar also added that officials from public health directorate and the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry had visited the market after the issue was highlighted in the media.
“They (inspectors) came and spoke to us as well as visited the storage area of the importers and have recorded all our views,” he said.
“We are happy it happened and are hopeful that such incidents will not repeat.”
The GDN earlier reported that the two importers were forced to store nearly four tonnes of meat flown in from Tanzania and Kenya, following more than 100 retailers at the market refusing to buy the mutton.
Majority of the traders at the meat market are Indians, while only seven Bahrainis run their shops, who sell local meat and are thus not as badly affected by the action.
Price hike concerns for several items reported in the last week are reported to be stabilising with the Cabinet reviewing the positive impact of measures taken to monitor market prices and the availability of basic commodities. The GDN reported yesterday that steps were taken in response to market shifts blamed on global developments affecting energy supplies and the availability and prices of goods.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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