AMMAN — MP Saleh
Al-Armouti called for the creation of an independent ministry of supply that
would monitor commodity prices and control “the price chaos in the market”,
pointing out that price control in the Kingdom, was more effective prior to
merging the supply ministry with trade and industry.
اضافة اعلان
Armouti told
Jordan News that the economic situation is alarming and prices are constantly
rising, calling for a governmental intervention to control this “lack of checks
and balances”, adding that a supply ministry must be restored.
The current price
hike is not justified, according to Armouti, who said that “all the excuses
announced are not convincing due to the existence of sufficient stockpiles in
warehouses that can last for several months.”
Armouti believes
that “the government does not know what its duties are and that it is not
qualified to deal with this difficult situation to protect citizens who are
grappling under economic pressure and low wages.”
Executive Director
of the Consumer Protection Society Maher Al-Hajjat told
Jordan News that he
strongly supports setting up a supply ministry.
“We demand a
ministry or authority that is concerned with the matters of supply and consumer
protection and to function under the supervision of the Prime Ministry”, he
said, adding that if supply affairs remain a task of the Ministry of Industry,
Trade, and Supply, “there will remain a price chaos”.
President of Amman
Chamber of Commerce Khalil Haj Tawfik ruled out that establishing a separate
supply ministry would bring any favorable outcomes, however, saying, “let there
be a supply ministry for a trial period of 6–12 months and let the people
decide for themselves.” Haj Tawfiq said a ministry of supply would only enforce
monopolies and bring about higher commodity prices.
“The COVID-19
pandemic caused unrest and challenges for traders; but citizens did not face
any shortage of commodities because traders worked tirelessly to supply the
market with all the necessary needs,” Haj Tawfiq said. Now, more than ever, he
noted, the public and private sectors must work together as a team “to confront
a possible food supply crisis in light of increased demand and short supply.”
Haj Tawfik listed
current challenges facing traders as a result of global developments; including
a rise in freight charges as well as production costs, coupled with climate
change and its impact on crops, saying “it is unfortunate that people do not
take into account the global situation.”
Haj Tawfik said
advocates of an independent supply ministry have high hopes for subsidized
commodities, but, he added, “I can assure you that the government will not
subsidize goods; rather, if it were to import goods, prices will be higher in
the absence of competition.”
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