Khaberni - Jamal Amro, the representative of the food sector in the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, stated that all food items are sufficiently available in the local market, confirming that the consumer basket has decreased in price by about 8% compared with the blessed Ramadan last year.
He added that the local markets are witnessing an evident abundance of various food items ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, not to mention the decrease in their prices.
He emphasized that the value calculation of the consumer basket depends on the average prices and not on the highest-priced brands, where there are clear differences between brands; for instance, the difference in price for a liter of oil between one brand and another could reach about one Dinar, and rice prices vary between moderately priced varieties and higher-priced ones, so the comparison is based on the average market price.
He pointed out that Ramadan goods such as walnuts, coconut, qamar al-din, and tamarind are abundantly available, noting that the diversity of import sources and origins has contributed to enhancing competition and achieving a significant abundance in the market.
He noted that this year's legume season was good, which contributed to lowering their prices compared with last Ramadan, including chickpeas, lentils, beans, bulgur, and freekeh.
He explained that the rice market is experiencing a wide variety from various brands and origins from several countries; such as Vietnam, Thailand, India, the United States, and the European Union, in addition to new origins like Argentina and Brazil, which led to increased competition and price reduction from the previous year, and that sugar prices also recorded a decline compared to last year.
Regarding vegetable oils, Amro clarified that it is the only commodity that has seen a price increase, stating that this increase began since last August and is not related to the blessed month of Ramadan.
He attributed the reason to a decrease in the planted areas of sunflower globally during the current season, especially in Ukraine, which is one of the largest global producers, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in prices by about 400-500 USD per ton.
He confirmed that the consumer basket for about a year remains stable, as the rise in oil prices is offset by a decrease in the prices of sugar, rice, and legumes, in addition to stable prices of main local vegetables; such as cucumber, tomato, and zucchini.
In the meat sector, he explained that fresh and frozen beef is available without any issues, as well as imported cut meats.
He confirmed that commercial activity is vibrant as Ramadan approaches, which is natural in light of changing consumption patterns and increased demand during the holy month, reassuring citizens of the market's stability and the availability of essential goods without any indications of shortage.
