MUSCAT -- Prices of some kinds of rice and tea started October by stepping back in wholesale markets in the time that other consumer products have retained their previous levels. A recent survey by Consumer Protection Department in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that rice of "Thamer" kind has recorded retreat by 4.5 per cent to 21 Riyals compared to 22 Rrials in the two previous weeks. "Al Ghazal" rice has also retreated by 4 per cent to RO 24 compared to RO 25 in wholesale markets. However, all prices remained the same in retail markets.
In the retail market, price of 'Al Shams basmati rice, another staple food in the local market has reduced to RO 475 per kilo against a RO 600 per kilo last week. Mohammed Mustafa, a customer said the slump in rice prices is a reason for sigh of relief especially to customers who buy bulk quantities. The survey pointed out to a similar retreat in 'Lipton' tea prices by 10 per cent from RO 33.5 last September to RO 30 but prices remained the same in retail markets in which the price ranged from 1.39 to 1.49 Rials.
On the other hand, the lentils prices went up in the current week in wholesale markets. A 15 kg package was sold by 8 Rials compared to 6.8 Rials two weeks ago. The survey didn't register any change in prices in retail markets for other goods like sugar, flour, oil, coffee and milk. Haseena Naseer, a housewife in Darsait, told the Observer that prices of lentils are either remaining the same or have shot up. "The prices of lentils have shot up or are remaining at a higher level with no change. For example, the price of Toor Dal the price of which varies from RO 1.200 to 1.300, Moong Dal (more than RO 1 per kilo), Masoor Dal (Bz 900/kilo) are visible in the market. But the price of Chena Dal (Bz 475/kilo), and White Dal (Bz 550/kilo) are reasons to heave a sigh".
Many a customers whom the Observer spoke to said vegetables are still on a higher side, quoting the price of tomato which still stood at RO 1 per kilo. The survey by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry includes 36 goods in retail markets and 21 goods in wholesale markets.
By Hamood al Maharizi and Kabeer Yousuf
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
