‘Prices of fruits, vegetables will not increase during Ramadan’

AMMAN — Prices of fruits and vegetables in the local market will not increase during the holy month of Ramadan because there will be a plentiful supply of produce, an Agriculture Ministry official said on Monday.

The production of fruits and vegetables, particularly those considered basic for local consumption, such as potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes, will be at their peak during the fasting month, expected to start in mid-June according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

“The supply of fruits and vegetables will be plentiful during Ramadan; therefore, neither will there be any shortage nor will prices go up. On the contrary, there will be surplus for export,” Agriculture Ministry Assistant Secretary General for Marketing Salah Tarawneh told The Jordan Times.

He said the supply of red meat and poultry will be in accordance with local demand, so there will be no shortage and prices will remain stable.

Even if traders start raising prices during Ramadan, when consumption increases, the Ministry of Industry Trade and Supply can set a maximum price at which red meat and poultry can be sold to protect consumers, Tarawneh said. 

In preparation for Ramadan, the ministry allowed the import of livestock from Romania in April, following an eight-month ban due to the discovery of bluetongue disease in the European country.

The decision to resume imports was announced after an Agriculture Ministry delegation concluded a visit to Romania and inspected the health condition of its livestock.

The ministry said it is essential to ensure that enough red meat is available in the local market, particularly since consumption increases during the fasting month. 

In addition, lifting the ban aimed at boosting competitiveness in the local market and preventing prices of red meat from rising during Ramadan.