A pledge has been signed to ensure affordable food will be flowing from growers and suppliers to fill the shelves of supermarkets and cold stores in the coming weeks.
The aim is to reassure families that they can carry on planning traditional feasts when breaking their fasts and gathering together throughout Ramadan.
The virtual gathering, organised by the Bahrain Chamber’s Food Sector Committee, was attended by entrepreneurs and store owners. The event was timely as the holy month is expected to start next week depending on moon sightings.
During the meeting, committee chairman Khalid Al Amin assured viewers and participants that the authorities would continue to work together to ensure traders do not take unfair advantage of a higher than usual demand for products.
“More than 200 traders have signed a pledge committing not to raise prices throughout the holy month,” said Mr Al Amin. “We will keep an eye out on prices before and during the holy month to ensure compliance, and I believe we will see a low rate of violation.
“If anything, there will probably be lower prices during the month, with Ramadan offers from many different supermarkets and stores across the kingdom.
“This is thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his wise directives and continuous support, which contribute to ensuring the smooth flow of goods and consumer protection during the holy month of Ramadan.”
Mr Al Amin confirmed that Bahrain worked to secure food products ahead of time by liaising with farmers, who were able to deliver the products as scheduled. It was also revealed that supplies of tomatoes and potatoes have been secured from Saudi Arabia, and that there should be no shortage in the market of the essentials.
Additionally, the Food Sector Committee will work alongside the Bahrain Customs Affairs to facilitate the arrival of fruit and vegetables by land from countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
“There are no regional disruptions affecting supplies or import operations, shipments are arriving on schedule and markets are witnessing price stability,” said Mr Al Amin.
“In total, there are more than 7,000 supermarkets and stores in the kingdom that will be selling food products for Ramadan, in addition to 15 different delivery companies.
“There is high competition and that will only benefit consumers, as it means high supply paired with competitive costs.
“Everything that consumers will want should be readily available, so I urge people to purchase according to their needs and avoid stockpiling.”
During the meeting, supermarket owners and representatives confirmed that they are fully prepared for the weeks ahead with stocks in place to ensure adequate supply for everyone.
They also confirmed that suppliers and distribution channels have been secured, and none of them anticipate any major challenges.
Every Ramadan, the authorities – including the Industry and Commerce Ministry and Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry – conduct inspection visits to markets around the country to ensure food availability, quality and stable, fair pricing.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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