Gov't to impose 'stiff' penalties on violators of bread prices — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Sunday said that the government will intensively monitor bakeries to ensure their abidance with new bread prices. 

The premier said that stiffened penalties will be imposed on violators of bread prices, adding that labelling prices clearly leads to healthy competition in the market.

During a meeting with market inspection teams and directors of industry, trade and supply at the Prime Ministry, Mulki said that the government will "persistently" monitor the amounts, quality, weight and price of bread, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The premier said that the price limit on bread will be announced the day after subsidy is received by the military personnel, public employees, military and civil retirees and beneficiaries of the National Aid Fund.

The government had announced disbursing subsidy allocations to heads of families who applied electronically within one month of accepting their applications as one annual instalment. 

Mulki said that what matters is that the price limit is not exceeded and that the quality of the product is ensured.

Checking on the Salam and Ein Ghazal markets, which are respectively affiliated with the military and civil consumer corporations, the premier stressed that prices at these two corporations have remained stable during the 2015-2017 period, adding that the government is committed to maintaining the prices in 2018 as well.

In this regard, the prime minister noted that the government has allocated JD5 million for each of the corporations to ensure that prices of their commodities will not see any hikes, expressing the government’s readiness to increase the sum and incurring any price difference at these two corporations. 

Mulki called on market inspectors to intensify their tours, especially for merchants who repeatedly violate laws, noting that the government will announce the names of those who insist on violating laws. 

Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah reviewed the efforts exerted by market inspectors to guarantee commitment to prices and fine violators.

Qudah stressed that the majority of business owners have not increased prices that saw a hike recently.

He noted that putting a price limit for bread should not, under any circumstances, affect the quality of the product, adding that the profit margin for bakeries is “good” and can contribute to healthy competition. 

During his visits to the Salam and Ein Ghazal markets, Mulki called on the two corporations to find proper methods to implement the decision in the best ways.

The premier also listened to citizens’ remarks on price levels, quality of commodities and their diversity, calling on them not to hesitate in referring complaints about the two corporations, in particular, or markets, in general.

Director General of the Military Consumer Corporation Brig. Gen. Mutasem Omari stressed that all items needed by citizens are available at the 110 corporation markets and two mobile markets that target remote areas.

Omari added that 70 per cent of the corporation’s items are national products, noting that the facility has laboratories to periodically check on the quality of products. 

Director General of the Civil Consumer Corporation Salman Qudah said that the facility, which provides some 7,000 items in 67 markets, is keen on supporting national industries for their role in enhancing the economy and employing Jordanians. 

Strategic reserves at the corporation are enough for more than four months, Qudah said, adding that the facility’s contracts with importers cover the needs for a year.