Amman: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah has assured the nation that Jordan maintains a secure stockpile of essential food commodities, with supply chains operating smoothly. He urged the public to avoid panic buying or stockpiling, emphasizing the stability of food supplies.
According to Jordan News Agency, Qudah revealed in press remarks that wheat stocks in Jordanian silos currently stand at approximately 550,000 tons, which is sufficient to meet consumption needs for the next six months. He noted that these levels are stronger than those recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, he highlighted that total wheat reserves, inclusive of quantities held in warehouses and shipments en route or at the origin, are sufficient to last for ten months. He assured that even if shipping were to halt entirely, the existing domestic stocks would still cover six months of demand.
Qudah further detailed that barley reserves are adequate for four and a half months, with contracted quantities extending availability to around nine months. Sugar stocks suffice for two and a half months, while rice varieties are available for four months. Sunflower and corn oil stocks should last about two months, and palm oil and soybean oil reserves are enough for four months.
The minister also provided an update on other commodities, stating that feed corn for the poultry sector is sufficient for around four months, while lentils and beans can last six months, and powdered milk for four months. He emphasized that no commodity held by traders has less than two months' stock coverage.
Qudah reassured that supply and distribution chains are functioning normally, with current stock levels close to those at the start of the war. He noted that continuous imports have helped maintain stable inventory levels, preventing shortages, despite the ongoing consumption.
He reported that 47 container ships have either arrived or are expected to arrive in Jordan within the month, with projections for around 72,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of containers to be unloaded by the end of the month. Last year, 49 container ships were unloaded at Aqaba Port in March, reflecting similar traffic levels and underscoring the efficiency of the supply chains.
Discussing the impact of military escalation, Qudah mentioned that the most critical phase typically occurs within the first 10 days. Jordan has successfully navigated this period without significant price spikes, even with the overlap of Ramadan, due to diligent market monitoring and the tireless efforts of ministry teams.
He noted that shipping lines sharply increased freight rates at the crisis's onset, with the cost of a 20-foot container rising from about $2,000 to between $3,500 and $4,000. However, the impact on retail prices has been limited, with increases not exceeding 7 to 10 percent, given the high value of goods in each container.
Qudah concluded by mentioning that many commodity prices are currently lower than they were during Ramadan, with only slight increases in others. The ministry has intensified market oversight, conducting price comparisons and monitoring for unjustified price hikes or refusal to sell. He referenced a case where a dairy company reverted prices after Ramadan discounts, which does not constitute an actual price increase.