Qatar to freeze food prices during Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
Gulf News
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010


Move part of ministry’s plans to make essential goods affordable

Manama Qatar has moved towards controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, the month with the highest consumption levels, by freezing the prices of at least 160 basic food and non-food items.

The prices will be frozen from July 25 until September 11. Ramadan is expected to start on August 11, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The move, seen as part of the business and trade ministry’s plans to help make essential items available at affordable rates to consumers, will ensure that wholesalers and retailers do not raise the prices of essential commodities during the holy month when demand for several food and non-food items goes up substantially, Qatari daily The Peninsula reported.

The cost of Syrian goats as well as the prices of mutton will, for the first time, be made available at subsidised rates during the fasting month. The subsidy will be provided by the Qatar Meat and Livestock Company, Mawashi.

Shaikh Jasem Bin Jabr Al Thani, the head of the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Business and Trade, last week said that the number of items whose prices will be frozen would be increased this year. Officials said that measures would be put in place to check violations and there would be a zero-tolerance towards those who break the rules.

By Habib Toumi?Bureau Chief

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