Food stocks in Bahrain are at ‘safe and sufficient’ levels and the government has activated round-the-clock monitoring and emergency co-ordination to protect markets from any regional disruption to trade and supply chains, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said.
Responding to a parliamentary question by MP Hassan Ibrahim, the minister outlined a multi-layered plan to ensure continuity of commercial activity, safeguard imports and exports, and prevent unjustified price hikes during what he described as ‘exceptional regional circumstances’.
“The available food stock of basic commodities in the kingdom is a safe and sufficient stock to meet demand in the local market,” Mr Fakhro said. “This is supported by the continued flow of goods through diversified import and distribution channels, and proactive government plans to ensure uninterrupted supplies.”
He revealed that the ministry’s operations room is now functioning 24-hours-a-day, with direct co-ordination between authorities and major suppliers. A dedicated ministry financial officer has been assigned to key food suppliers to expedite customs clearance, speed up the entry of essential goods, and monitor alternative transport routes where needed.
“These measures enable us to intervene immediately to address any challenge in the supply chain,” he said.
To maintain smooth commercial operations, the ministry has also expanded digital services and streamlined procedures for commercial registration holders.
On March 3, the Commercial Registration and Companies Sector issued a special design allowing joint-stock companies that had already called general assembly meetings to convert them into electronic meetings without it being considered a change of agenda. The step was co-ordinated with Bahrain Bourse and its clearing arm Bahrain Clear to enable electronic voting, particularly for board elections.
“This ensures companies can continue to operate efficiently and make key decisions without procedural disruption,” Mr Fakhro said.
Central to the food security effort is a national task force formed under Resolution No 32, chaired by the minister and including public and private sector representatives. Its mandate includes identifying essential goods, monitoring their market movement, unifying data and preparing emergency plans.
The ministry gathers real-time stock data from major traders and suppliers and feeds it into a Food Security Indicators Dashboard. If the system flags a potential shortage, immediate co-ordination begins with relevant authorities to resolve it.
“We rely on integrated data systems and direct communication with traders to ensure there are no gaps in the market,” the minister said.
Mr Fakhro pointed to the Industry Sector Strategy 2022 as a key pillar of long-term resilience, particularly through localising food manufacturing.
“Ten new food factories have been licensed, bringing the number of active food factories in Bahrain to more than 150,” he said. “We are working with the Economic Development Board (EDB) to attract investment based on manufacturing gaps, especially in food industries, to strengthen strategic stock and national production capacity.”
He said close co-ordination with domestic food manufacturers ensures they can scale up production quickly if needed to support market supply.
The ministry is also working through GCC and Arab committees to remove obstacles to intra-regional trade, especially for essential food commodities. Memoranda of understanding on food security have been signed with several GCC countries to ensure smooth product flows during emergencies.
“This co-ordination helps us secure alternatives and reduce any obstacles to the rapid movement of goods between GCC states,” Mr Fakhro noted.
On price stability, the minister stressed that inspection teams are conducting daily field tours across central markets, retail outlets, shops and warehouses in all governorates.
Inspectors review invoices, supply chains and operating costs to verify whether any price increase is justified by import or operational expenses, and to prevent exploitation of consumers during peak demand or exceptional circumstances.
“As of the date of this letter, one commercial establishment has been closed for unjustified price increases, and one case has been referred to the Public Prosecution,” Mr Fakhro revealed. “Several written warnings have also been issued, and other shops have been instructed to revert to previous prices.”
He warned that legal action would be taken against any violations of pricing regulations or monopolistic practices.
“Our goal is to reinforce market discipline, transparency and fairness in commercial transactions while protecting consumers’ rights and maintaining price stability,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to constant monitoring and coordination with all relevant authorities.
“We continue to follow this matter closely to ensure the achievement of the desired objectives – the stability of markets, the availability of goods, and the protection of consumers at all times, especially under current exceptional circumstances.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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