Food prices surge by 3%; inflation hits 1.95%

AMMAN — In January, food prices in Jordan rose by 3 percent, as reported by the World Bank's monthly report, while the Department of Statistics (DoS) indicated a 1.95 percent increase in the inflation rate compared to January 2023.اضافة اعلان
According to a report, food prices in Jordan have continued to rise for the seventh consecutive month. They increased by 2.2 percent in December, 0.8 percent in November, 1.7 percent in October, 1.3 percent in September, 0.6 percent in July, and 1.2 percent in August, despite a 1 percent decrease at the end of June and a 1.9 percent decrease at the end of May, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
The WB report highlighted statements by Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat, emphasizing the pivotal role of the agricultural sector in food security. He outlined the ministry's efforts to finance modern irrigation systems, modify the Agricultural Risk Management Fund to expand coverage, contribute to the construction of water wells, dams, and water facilities, and establish land basins to enhance adaptation to climate change.
Furthermore, the Jordanian government aims to strengthen national food security by establishing the first national seed bank, expanding food storage capacities to 400,000 tonnes, and digitizing operations at the Port of Aqaba, thereby enhancing Jordan's logistical capabilities and food security.
DoS issued its monthly report on the general consumer price index for January 2024, which "recorded a 1.95 percent increase compared to the same month in 2023 and a slight decrease of 0.08 percent (less than one percentage point) compared to December 2023."
As a result, the general consumer price index for January 2024 stood at 109.72 compared to 107.62 for the same month in 2023, and the index for January 2024 stood at 109.72 compared to 109.82 for the preceding month in 2023.
The WB report noted that the World Food Program reported funding shortages, limiting food assistance to refugees amid rising levels of food insecurity among refugees in Jordan in the second half of 2023.