Amman: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Qudah, announced the government’s implementation of various measures to maintain market stability and strengthen food reserves in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, during which demand and consumption typically increase.
According to Jordan News Agency, Qudah made these remarks at a meeting attended by Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat, senior government officials, and representatives from industrial, trade, and production sectors. He disclosed the extension of last year’s decision to exempt shipping fees from customs duties and general and special sales taxes for an additional three months. This move aims to mitigate inflationary pressures and positively impact consumer prices.
Qudah further noted the government’s extension of a directive that mandates the Jordan Silos and Supply General Company to offer preferential storage rates for private sector importers of essential commodities until the end of Ramadan. This initiative has reduced storage costs by approximately 40%, easing financial burdens on the private sector and contributing to price stability.
Authorities have been instructed to expedite customs clearance for imported goods to maintain high stock levels, with the average reserve of essential food items covering five months. Supply chains remain fully operational, ensuring the availability of locally produced and imported food supplies. The ministry is closely coordinating with the private sector to ensure market stability and has intensified market inspections during Ramadan, with monitoring teams operating in three shifts daily.
Additionally, Qudah highlighted a 50% increase in container traffic at the Port of Aqaba in January compared to the same month last year, underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in sustaining adequate stock levels and stabilizing prices.
Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan reviewed operations at the Civil and Military Consumer Corporations, instructing them to secure sufficient stockpiles of essential goods for Ramadan. Qudah announced plans for further field visits to markets following an inspection of Amman’s central vegetable market.
Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat stated that agricultural production is at its peak, with supply exceeding demand. The primary challenge remains the sharp rise in consumer demand during the first week of Ramadan, followed by a return to normal levels.
Dana Zoubi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, assured early preparations for Ramadan in coordination with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Food stock levels exceed safety thresholds, with reserves including 70,000 tons of sugar, 80,000 tons of rice, and a 30% increase in local poultry production, ensuring a supply of 23 million chickens per month.
Meeting participants, including trade and agriculture sector representatives, discussed market preparations for Ramadan, emphasizing their commitment to price stability and the availability of goods.