Bahrain: Coronavirus Increases Fruits & Vegetable Prices by 70%
“Prices of fruits and vegetables increased by almost 70% due to the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” stated vegetable and fruit trader, Redha Al-Bustani.
He called on all, citizens and residents, to be reassured about the continuity of the commodity supply after Jordan allowed exporting products during the next week.
Al-Bustani added that most traders received a letter stating that the export of agricultural products from Jordan should be re-exported after they were banned which, he noted, gives more opportunity to supply vegetables and reduce pressure on them.
He explained that the price increase in the central market was due to the exceptional conditions that the world is going through due to the precautionary curfew in most countries to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition, he said, to the pressure after closing shipments by air as the current dependence was on land and sea shipments.
Al-Bustani affirmed the availability of the necessary foodstuffs in the implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister. He noted that the role of the consumers’ awareness in the purchasing by buying basic needs only.
He pointed out that high prices are a matter of time, expecting prices to return to normal within a short period, as there are some consumer goods whose prices have risen to 100% and some to 70 and 50% depending on the quality of vegetables.
He indicated that they were working in constant communication with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism noting that the high prices are beyond their control due to the current conditions and global conditions.
