The second joint meeting between several competent departments on providing basic commodities in the local markets was held at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion today [March 20, 2022].

The meeting discussed many issues of priority pertaining to the food security sector. It also reviewed the developments and the availability of basic commodities in the markets of the Sultanate of Oman, like wheat, rice, and vegetable oils.

The meeting also took note of the mechanisms set to ensure price stability and the availability of all foodstuffs and consumer commodities in all markets of Oman’s governorates.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in the presence of His Excellency Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Ahmed Nassir Al Bakri, the Undersecretary for Agriculture; Salayum Ali Al Hakmani, the Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA); and Dr Saleh Said Masan, the Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry.

During the meeting, a package of incentives was announced to boost the food reserve in the local markets, including the provision of free food reserve stores for a number of foodstuffs imported directly from a number of target markets, as well as facilitating the import of these commodities through Omani ports.

The conferees affirmed the availability of all basic commodities and the stability of their prices during the holy month of Ramadan. The departments concerned, each according to its prerogatives, will ensure the availability and stability of the prices of basic commodities.