Food dealers cautioned against raising prices
This follows a raid on three warehouses following complaints of sky-high prices of fruits and vegetables, with inspectors from the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry seizing large quantities of fresh produce.
Following directives from Minister Zayed Alzayani an investigation was also launched into complaints that rumours were being circulated about food scarcity.
“Overcoming this hardship is the responsibility of all members of the community, key among whom are merchants and business owners,” said the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) yesterday.
“We are confident in the business owners’ national stance and high responsibility and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and streamlining their endeavour,” it said in a statement.
“There is an abundance of food in Bahrain with stocks enough to last for a number of months to come.
Monitor
“In addition, food imports are continuing smoothly with more shipments underway.”
The BCCI hailed the ministry’s efforts to monitor the market and maintain normal price levels while also ensuring the sufficiency of food products.
The chamber’s food wealth committee has been working closely with food merchants, monitoring the market and co-ordinating with relevant authorities to ensure a seamless flow of food and basic goods.
Meanwhile, the latest developments about the availability of basic food products and price monitoring were discussed at a meeting between Mr Alzayani and BCCI food wealth committee chairman Khalid Al Amin yesterday.
The minister highlighted the efforts by the chamber and Mr Al Amin in co-ordinating with the inspection directorate at the ministry to review supply and demand in the market, especially of fruit and vegetables, while also discussing the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices.
Mr Alzayani reaffirmed the availability of enough food stocks to cover market and consumer needs.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/788401/Food-dealers-cautioned-against-raising-prices
