Consumer society starts chicken boycott campaign

AMMAN – The Consumer Protection Society (CPS) on Tuesday launched a campaign to boycott chicken after the "unjustifiable" increase in their prices during the first few days of Ramadan, according to a source. 

The campaign began one day after the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Supply — prompted by the recent rise in poultry prices — specified an upper limit to the prices of chicken at JD2 per kilogramme. 

"The society rejects the ministry's move, which obviously serves the interests of companies over citizens. Chicken is sold at around JD1.20 on average in other months," CPS Spokesperson Sahel Abbadi told The Jordan Times on Tuesday. 

Describing the ministry's decision as "disappointing", he called on citizens to abide by the boycott until poultry prices are "back to normal". 

In a statement, the Poultry Breeders Union said it will abide by the new pricing, noting that the increase in poultry prices is due to the high cost of production combined with supply and demand. 

"It is a well-known fact that consumption increases during Ramadan. All traders and foodstuff producers met with the premier before the start of Ramadan and pledged not to increase the prices," Abbadi said.

He noted that chicken is a staple item for iftar and many Jordanian families consume more than one chicken per day during the holy month. 

"We cannot afford to eat red meat or fish every day during Ramadan. I have a family of five, including three children. We buy chicken nearly every day," Saed Rashdan told The Jordan Times. 

He voiced hope that the boycotting campaign will be able to reduce the prices of poultry. 

In parallel to the CPS's campaign, a national campaign to boycott chicken for one week starting May, 30 was launched, pledging to extend the boycott if the prices do not decrease. 

Officials at the Ministry of Trade could not be reached for comment despite several attempts by The Jordan Times.

Earlier this month, representatives of industrial, trade and food sectors met with Prime Minister Hani Mulki and expressed their keenness to provide high-quality goods in Ramadan, pledging that the prices of these items will not increase.

Mulki said that the government would ensure that stocks of foodstuff are available and sold at reasonable prices during the fasting month of Ramadan.