The Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday began accepting applications to import olive oil, as part of its efforts to ensure sufficient quantities of the product are available in local markets at reasonable quality and prices, following a decline in domestic production this season.
اضافة اعلان
In a press statement, the ministry said the application process will remain open for five days. It noted that imports will be limited to member countries of the International Olive Council (IOC), in line with international standards and to guarantee the quality of imported oil.
Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraissat told Al-Mamlaka on Friday that this year’s olive harvest has been affected by drought and scarce rainfall, which significantly reduced production.
He explained that the ministry has assessed the total amount of olives and estimated oil yield, projecting 17,000–18,000 tons of olive oil this season, compared to the country’s annual consumption average of about 28,000 tons, leaving a shortfall of around 10,000 tons.
Khraissat said the decision to open olive oil imports aims to bridge the gap and ease financial pressure on citizens, assuring that prices will be affordable and are expected to drop significantly.
Currently, the price of a 16-kilogram tin of olive oil ranges between JD 120 and JD 135, depending on location, he said, adding that these prices are higher than anticipated, as the expected range was between JD 100 and JD 110 at most.
The ministry invited companies and institutions wishing to import olive oil to submit their applications along with the required official documents, including a commercial registration showing import, export, and food trade activities; a valid importer card; and Social Security records for 2024 and 2025.
This measure, the ministry added, is part of its ongoing efforts to secure this essential product, balance supply and demand in the local market, maintain price stability, and protect consumers from unjustified increases caused by lower domestic production.
It reaffirmed that it continues to monitor the local olive oil season and production levels from domestic presses, while supporting farmers through marketing and awareness programs alongside steps to ensure the availability of both local and imported products under the highest quality standards.
A specialized committee will carefully review submitted applications to ensure compliance with import conditions and quality criteria, the ministry said, stressing the importance of public–private sector cooperation to sustain the olive sector—one of the main pillars of Jordan’s food security and agricultural economy.
Significant Drop in Production
According to data from the Department of Statistics, olive oil production up to November 1, 2025, reached 1,419 tons. Historical data show that average production during the same period for the years 2012–2025 stood at around 2,542 tons.
Production in October 2025 accounted for only 55.8% of the seasonal average, indicating a “weak performance” compared to previous years.
The findings suggest that this year’s olive oil season will record a notable decline in production, reflecting a slowdown compared with past seasons. Reports show that Jordan’s average annual olive oil production stands at about 25,000 tons, while last season (2024) saw a record high of 35,828 tons.
The Department of Statistics confirmed it will continue monitoring olive oil production across presses until the end of the pressing season through its annual field survey conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, with the aim of providing accurate and comprehensive data to support informed agricultural policy and decision-making.
