Khaberni - Minister of Industry and Trade Yarub Al-Qudah confirmed that the Kingdom has a safe stock of essential food commodities, emphasizing that there is no justification for panic buying or hoarding, despite the ongoing military operations in the region.
Al-Qudah said in a talk on Ain FM Radio that the military operations in the region have reached the twenty-sixth day, pointing out that the wheat stock in the silos is about 550,000 tons, which equates to a 6-month consumption starting from the date March 24, 2026. He added that the experience during the Corona pandemic contributed to developing mechanisms for daily monitoring of the strategic stock, noting that current figures are better than during the pandemic.
He explained that the wheat stock, including the quantities in storage and those at sea or in the country of origin, is sufficient for 10 months. Even if all ships stop and no new shipments enter, the quantities available within the Kingdom suffice for 6 months. He added that the barley stock suffices for four and a half months, while the contracted quantities provide an additional four months, meaning that the total barley stock lasts about 9 months.
Al-Qudah pointed out that sugar stock lasts for two and a half months, and rice in all its types for four months. Similarly, sunflower and corn oils last for more than two months, while palm oil and soy oil last for four months. He added that feed corn used for poultry lasts for more than four months, lentils for six months, beans for six months, and powdered milk for four months, confirming that no commodity has less than two months of stock at the traders.
He indicated that supply and provisioning chains are operating normally, evidenced by the fact that current stock levels are closely matching those at the start of the war. He explained that if stock replenishment stops while consumption continues, a shortage would appear, but continued supply has maintained stock stability.
Al-Qudah revealed that the number of ships that have arrived or are expected to arrive in Jordan from March 1 to the end of the month totals 47 container ships, and that the number of containers emptied during March and expected to be completed by the end of the month reaches about 72,000 containers (20 feet). He mentioned that in March 2025, the number of container ships unloaded at Aqaba port was 49 ships, indicating that currently, figures are close to those of last year, which shows the continued efficiency of the supply chains.
He confirmed that the most critical phase in any military operations is the first ten days, pointing out that the Kingdom has passed this stage without any significant rise in prices, despite coinciding with Ramadan, thanks to daily market monitoring and around-the-clock workforce efforts.
He explained that shipping companies increased the cost of shipping and transportation significantly at the beginning of the crisis, with the cost of a container (20 feet) rising from about $2000 to between $3500 and $4000. However, the impact on goods is limited because the value of the goods inside a container can reach about 400,000 dinars, making the increase on goods not exceed between 7 and 10% in some cases, noting that many commodities today are priced lower than in Ramadan, while other goods have slightly increased.
Al-Qudah emphasized again there is no justification for hoarding goods, explaining that hoarding usually occurs if the country is directly involved in the war or if supply chains stop, asserting that the current situation is the complete opposite, and after 26 days of military operations, there is no reason for concern or panic.
He pointed out that the ministry has intensified market supervision, where auditing operations are conducted on wholesale distributors and retail traders by comparing current prices with those of three weeks ago, to verify any unjustified increases, in addition to monitoring refusal to sell cases.
Regarding the increased demand for candles, Al-Qudah confirmed that there is no need to buy large quantities, noting that the government has confirmed there will be no electricity cuts, and that oil derivatives are sufficient for two months, as some brotherly countries are considering exporting their oil through Jordan, showing there is no deficit in oil imports. He added that a small number exploit the sudden demand from citizens buying candles.
He also affirmed there is no justification for rushing to buy kerosene stoves or lanterns, emphasizing that there are no circumstances that should cause concern among citizens.
He noted that one of the dairy companies offered price reductions during Ramadan, and after the offers ended, prices returned to the previous rates, which does not constitute an actual price increase.
Al-Qudah concluded by affirming that stock is available and supply chains continue normally, urging citizens not to hoard or panic buy commodities.
