MUSCAT -- Some varieties of rice showed decline in prices with the start of Ramadhan while some food commodities maintained their previous prices. The first survey by the Consumer Protection Department in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Ramadhan on August 14 revealed that the price of Al Madinah rice declined in wholesale stores to RO 20 from RO 23 two weeks ago for the package weight of (40 kg), thus recording a decline of 13 per cent. "Abu Deek" declined by 9.5 per cent from RO 21 to 19. Thamer price also dropped by 4.5 per cent to RO 21.
However, prices maintained their levels in the retail trade. Sugar prices have moved up in some wholesale stores while the prices in other shops and retail outlets remained unchanged. The survey of the Department of Consumer Protection pointed out to the stabilisation of flour price without any movement despite the rise in global wheat flour prices in retail stores at RO 1.850 for the 10 kilograms golden type, RO 1.770 for Al Khareef and RO 1.970 for the imported type.
The General Authority for warehouses and food reserves pumped sufficient quantities of commodities, which had a role in maintaining the level of prices in the market. Omar bin Faisal al Jahdhami, Director of Consumer Protection, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said: "The department received complaints from some consumers regarding the high prices of some vegetables and fruits in Ramadhan. He pointed out that the main reason is the increasing demand for exporting countries.
Some countries have imposed new measures making it difficult for the arrival of shipments to the Sultanate, which contributed to the increase in prices. He expected vegetables and fruits' prices to stabilise during the coming period.
By Humood al Mahrazi
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
