Bahrain allays worry over price of certain food items

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism yesterday said that it is closely monitoring the prices of all food products in the local markets to ensure there is no price rise during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“The prices of all basic food products including fruits and vegetables are being monitored,” the ministry said yesterday. On tomato price rise, the ministry said the reasons are many including high price in the countries of origin, weather fluctuation and lack of adequate imports.

The ministry attributed the cucumber price rise to the impact of weather conditions on the cultivation and production in cucumber exporting countries apart from logistical issues related to shipping.

The ministry reassured all citizens and residents that tomato prices will be stabilised in the coming weeks and prices will be back to normal. The ministry has been carrying out many periodic inspection campaigns to ensure that traders are not stocking excess fruits and vegetables with an aim to increase their prices after heavy demand during the Holy Month.

Action was taken against many traders who would stock surplus quantities of fruits and vegetables. Legal measures were taken against the violators on the basis of Law No 35 of 2012.

During the beginning of the New Year, 27 commercial stores were shut down by the ministry inspectors after finding them guilty of manipulating prices of food items in the name of increase in Value Added Tax.

“The action was taken upon receiving numerous complaints from consumers about the unjustified hike in food prices,” a statement issued by the ministry said.

“The ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone taking advantage of the situation.” Calls have come from different quarters including the parliamentarians asking the government and the ministry to intensify inspections at food markets to ensure prices of food remain stable during the Holy Month.

It is learnt that over 200 food traders have agreed to keep prices of essential food items under control during the Holy Month.