Ministry of Trade imposes price caps, intensifies market surveillance for Ramadan

AMMAN — With the holy month of Ramadan just around the corner, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply has affirmed that the market is fully prepared to meet the needs of citizens.

Yanal Barmawi, the spokesperson for the Trade Ministry, said on Thursday that the ministry routinely imposes price ceilings on certain products and basic commodities to prevent their prices from rising above a certain level particularly during periods of high demand such as the holy month of Ramadan.

“Every year, before Ramadan begins, the ministry launches extensive field campaigns to ensure compliance with pricing and safety standards,” Barmawi told The Jordan Times.

He emphasised that the ministry has stepped up its market surveillance and will establish a price cap for poultry products if any “unjustified” price surge is observed, noting that poultry prices are currently stable, despite a recent “slight increase.”

Barmawi assured that food staples and all other essential consumer goods are available in "ample" quantities. “Our primary objective is to ensure a steady supply… If we detect a price increase for a specific commodity, we will promptly set a price cap,” he added.

Hashem Abdallah, an employee at a poultry chain store, told The Jordan Times, "Significant price hikes in poultry are usually observed during Ramadan and certain summer periods. Therefore, the ministry’s constant monitoring helps maintain price stability and promotes fair competition among suppliers."

Waleed Ali, a supermarket owner, said, “Every year, we witness intensified inspections… This is a positive development as many operators and traders attempt to take advantage of people’s increased demand.”