Dispute between mutton merchants and wholesale traders at Manama Central Market resolved

TDT | Manama 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The row between mutton merchants and wholesale traders at Manama Central Market has been resolved after a new supplier agreed to deliver mutton for BD2.5 per kilogram. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has begun a probe into allegations of wholesale traders illegally stocking mutton in an attempt to create an artificial supply shortage to increase prices during the Holy Month. 

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Ashkar Poozhithala, representing mutton merchants at the market, said everything is back to normal after a new wholesale supplier agreed to deliver fresh mutton from Kenya, Tanzania and Romania for BD2.5 per kilogram.    

“We are happy that the ministry took instant action and is probing into the allegations. Now the mutton merchants can sell meat for BD2.8 per kilogram,” he said.  

On Tuesday morning, mutton merchants, in an act of protest, took a unanimous decision to return mutton deliveries at the market back to wholesale traders until the authorities fix the issue. 

A merchant had told The Daily Tribune: “Generally, one container imported contains 3,000 mutton sheep. And what they are doing now is illegally stocking a large share of imported mutton in order to increase the prices. 

“Until the beginning of Holy Month, mutton stocks were delivered to us at a rate of BD2.2 per kilogram. Now they are asking us to pay BD2.6 to BD2.8 per kilogram citing the shortage of supply. 

“If we buy stocks for BD2.8, we will be forced to sell them for at least BD3, which would naturally make the customers angry. Many upset customers yesterday warned us of filing complaints with authorities thinking we are the culprits behind this price rise.” 

This row over prices came amid the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism frequently vowing tough checks on Ramadan prices of food items.