Khaberni - Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat confirmed that the recent increase in tomato prices in the local markets, following the holy month of Ramadan and over the past few days, is linked to a decrease in the quantities available compared to the daily demand, expecting an improvement in the situation in the coming days with an increase in production.
Khreisat said, "The daily market demand for tomatoes reaches about 500 tons, while the currently available quantities do not exceed 480 tons," which caused a temporary price increase.
He added in his radio statements this Thursday morning that the ministry has noticed some sales outlets and retailers unjustifiably raising prices, emphasizing that the acceptable price for the product ranges between 80 piasters and one dinar, while limited cases were recorded where the price reached one dinar and a quarter.
The minister pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture possesses tools to monitor prices and quantities by tracking the data of the central market daily, clarifying that market bulletins clearly show the volume of quantities received and the prices traded.
Khreisat expected the markets to experience an abundance in production in the coming days, which will reflect in the reduction and stabilization of prices.
The minister also announced the temporary suspension of tomato exports in order to enhance the quantities available in the local market and control prices.
Khreisat stated that "if there are exaggerated prices for vegetables and fruits, there will be an intervention from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture," indicating that starting from today, the price and quantities will be published in the guiding bulletin on the ministry's official website.
He emphasized that "there is no need for panic," stressing that the agricultural produce and stock in Jordan are secure and that the current conditions will pass safely by the grace of God.
