Gov’t to ensure availability of basic food items at reasonable prices during Ramadan

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Sunday said that the government would ensure that stocks of foodstuff would be available and sold at reasonable prices during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Grand Mufti Mohammad Khalaileh announced that today, Monday, would be the first day of Ramadan, after the sighting of the crescent (hilal), when scholars watch for the new moon to decide which day the fasting begins, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

Visiting the military and civil consumer corporations in Amman, Razzaz checked on the availability of food items during the holy month of Ramadan and the implementation of the government’s decision to reduce the prices of basic commodities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Director General of the Military Consumer Corporation Brig. Gen. Mutasem Omari said that, in implementation of a government’s decision, the prices of over 220 food items and cleaning products have been decreased by 40 per cent, adding that the prices of another 87 products are set to decrease during the holy month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Department (PSD) on Sunday said it has prepared a “comprehensive” plan to deal with expected traffic jams or any security incidents during the holy month of Ramadan.

The PSD said in a statement on Sunday that it will station more traffic patrols on main roads and near malls and markets expected to ensure smooth traffic movement.

The department said that it will increase the number of its personnel in residential areas, shopping centres and mosques as per the second component of its emergency plan to prevent possible security incidents, including home break-ins and pickpocketing.

The Civil Defence Department (CDD) called on citizens to avoid sun exposure, use healthy ways to preserve food, keep an eye on children and check gas pipes.

The CDD also called on restaurants to abide by safety regulations, adding that its inspection teams will carry out field visits to restaurants and institutions to check up on their safety measures.