Fruits, vegetables prices down 30%

TDT | Manama

The Inspection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, yesterday oversaw the sale of the first batch of seized fruits and vegetables. The directorate’s team also monitored the prices of fruits and vegetables at various outlets across the Kingdom’s directorates, and said that their prices fell by about 30 percent.

Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed R. Al Zayani, said that the sale of the seized products will continue on a daily basis, commensurate with market needs. He noted that the Inspection Directorate will continue its campaign to ensure the flow of basic products and stability of their prices.

He pledged zero-tolerance against whoever tampers with prices or obstructs the provision of basic food products. Earlier this week, the zero-tolerance policy was announced against anyone who illegally and unethically takes advantage of the current circumstances to compromise Bahrain’s food security or to manipulate the markets and hike prices.

Those who seek to influence the prices of products in any way would be referred to criminal courts, where they would face prison terms of up to five years and fines of at least BD5,000, in addition to the confiscation of their products.

Meanwhile, Minister Al Zayani had also previously stressed that the ministry is in constant coordination with relevant authorities to ensure that goods and products are continually available in Bahrain’s markets. He said that these commodities remain abundant in the Kingdom, and noted that there is no need to purchase large quantities of goods other than what is needed. The minister further assured that maintaining the supply of food and medicine remains a top priority.