FOOD prices are stable and there are no shortages of essentials ahead of Ramadan, the Industry and Commerce Ministry has assured families.
Officials from the ministry’s Inspection Directorate, the Capital Trustees Board and the Bahrain Chamber visited the Central Market in Manama to check on the availability of basic foodstuffs.
No trade violations were detected during a recent national inspection campaign, which also covered other central markets and outlets.
According to the ministry, the national reserve of a large variety of products is stocked with enough supplies to last for months.
“We conduct field visits ahead of important seasons and occasions,” directorate head Mona Al Alawi said in the statement.
“Market indicators, along with factors that could obstruct the flow of goods, are noted down and then included in a report which serves to help with preparations for unforeseen circumstances.”
She added that inspection efforts and oversight of vital sectors will continue regardless during the holy month and especially nearer to Eid.
Inspectors are also making sure that promotions and discounts being offered in stores are genuine and implemented correctly, so appropriate measures can be taken should any violators be uncovered.
Earlier this week, a total of 97 merchants signed a document pledging to keep prices stable during Ramadan according to Bahrain Chamber officials.
The chamber also reassured citizens and expat residents that enough supplies would be made available during the holy month and that there would not be any stockpiling of goods by suppliers or distributors.
The GDN earlier reported that local farmers at the Bahraini Farmers Market said they were prepared for the likely increased demand for vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers that are used in many traditional dishes served after fast-breaking during Ramadan.
Last year, 202 merchants signed the same agreement after MPs and other officials received numerous complaints about price gouging, citing the Ukraine war as a reason to increase the prices of staples.
The ministry also reported that it had toured outlets selling food products, herbs and spices in Manama Suq, one of the prized shopping destinations before the advent of Ramadan.
The central market, the meat market and other trading outlets, such as roasteries and shops selling dates, nuts, sweets and food products were also inspected.
The holy month begins tomorrow, depending on the moon sighting.
l Citizens and residents are urged to submit complaints and suggestions through the National Suggestions and Complaints System ‘Tawasul,’ by emailing inspection@moic.gov.bh or by messaging 17111225 on WhatsApp.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))