Khaberni - Minister of Agriculture Saieb Khreisat confirmed that the ministry closely monitors the olive oil file to ensure its availability in local markets at reasonable prices and high quality.
In radio statements, he noted that this season's production is lower than usual, yet the oil extraction rate from the olives is higher than in previous seasons, indicating that there is no justification for price increases.
He added that the ministry will not hesitate to import olive oil if high prices continue, stressing that the ministry is serious in its intervention and not merely sending a “media message” evidenced by the decision to allow the entry of five tanks of olive oil from the West Bank for each citizen or visitor, which is double the usual amount.
Khreisat clarified that the current price increase is unjustified, and that some traders and monopolists are trying to exploit the production shortage at the beginning of the season to make illicit gains, confirming that the ministry will take necessary actions to prevent monopolization and regulate the market.
He explained that the ministry banned the export of olive fruits about two months ago to ensure sufficient quantities of oil are available locally, noting that meetings were held with the farmers' union and the owners of mills to control prices and balance the market.
In a related context, the minister warned of commercial fraud in olive oil, urging citizens not to buy oil of unknown origin or offered at unreasonably low prices on social media platforms. He confirmed that the laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Center provide a free oil testing service to citizens to verify its quality and purity.
He also mentioned that the ministry is working on an electronic identification project for livestock, which will help reduce “phantom holdings” and ensure the accuracy of data related to farmers and producers.
In conclusion of his talk, the minister committed to addressing complaints related to unlicensed mills and taking legal actions against violators, affirming that no one is above the law and that supervision continues on all establishments in the olive sector.
