Khaberni - Osama Qattan, Director of the Olive Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, said on Monday that the ministry does not intervene in the pricing of olive oil, indicating that the door to importing olive oil will soon be opened.
Qattan pointed out that the Syndicate of Olive Press Owners and Producers, before the start of the pressing season, set a clear pricing for an olive oil tank, ranging from 110 to 120 dinars, according to the kingdom.
He explained that the ministry will work in the coming days to open the door to imports; to achieve a balance in the local market in terms of prices and to provide high-quality olive oil at a price that matches the needs and capabilities of the citizen.
Qattan mentioned that imports would be from the member countries of the International Olive Council, which are countries with a good reputation and world-class production in terms of quality and prices.
He confirmed that the prices after imports would be lower than the current prices in the local market.
Qattan indicated that Jordan's olive oil production over the last six years amounted to about 28,000 tons, noting that consumption is estimated at about 25,000 tons of olive oil.
He anticipated that Jordan's olive oil production for the current season would reach between 18 and 20 thousand tons.
Regarding the import of olive fruit, Qattan revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture is studying the decision, and in the coming days, it will be decided whether to open the door to imports or not.
