Amman, February 18 (Petra) – Representative of the food sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Jamal Amr said there is a "strong" demand for food products in the local market as Jordanians stock for the holy month of Ramadan.

Amr said that purchasing activity would peak in the coming days after public workers' salaries were deposited, particularly for fresh produce such as vegetables, red meat, poultry and dairy products.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, he said local markets, shopping centres and consumer outlets are well stocked with essential food commodities and Ramadan-related goods.

He said that importers and wholesalers had prepared early to secure sufficient quantities for extended periods, adding that prices of Ramadan staples remain stable and may even be lower than 2025.

He said sector stakeholders are working to curb potential price increases especially for imported goods by hedging against global price fluctuations and increasing supply.

He added that the diversity of import sources and the wide range of available products enhance competition among importers, wholesalers and retailers, helping to cushion the impact of global price hikes on the local market.

He added that several major institutions operate under annual or quarterly supply contracts, which contribute to maintaining competitive and relatively stable prices in the coming period.

Amr said that there were increases in vegetable oil prices since in 2025, attributing the hikes to higher global prices, reduced production in some exporting countries, supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs.

He cited an increase in cheese prices due to higher global prices of dried animal milk.

Demand typically rises during Ramadan for essential items such as rice, sugar, red and white meat, dates, apricot paste, juices, dairy products, cheeses and vegetable oils.

The food sector remains one of the Kingdom's key commercial sectors, encompassing around 14,000 companies, including importers, wholesalers and retailers across the country about half of them based in Amman.

The sector provides 200,000 jobs, the majority held by Jordanians.

//Petra// AK