Amman, June 29 (Petra) – The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply said on Monday that a package of proactive measures it implemented recently largely contributed to maintaining the stability of local markets, ensuring an abundance of essential goods, stabilizing prices, and protecting citizens' purchasing power.

It cited in a statement to Petra that challenges posed by geopolitical developments in the region and the repercussions of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global trade and supply chains.

The ministry said a high level of preparedness and contingency plans implemented in cooperation with various government agencies and the private sector enabled the Kingdom to navigate through these circumstances with no shortages of essential goods or market disruptions.

It assured that the strategic reserves of food supplies remained safe and reassuring.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Ya'rub Qudah led a series of intensive meetings with representatives of the commercial and industrial sectors, importers, and chambers of commerce and industry to monitor market conditions and supply chains to identify and address any challenges facing import, transport, or customs clearance operations.

The ministry said it formed a crisis cell to monitor regional developments and their impact on supply chains and strengthened coordination with the commercial and service sectors to ensure a rapid response to any developments.

Furthermore, it banned the export of several basic food items during regional tensions as a precautionary measure to maintain a supply of goods in the local market and enhance national food security.

As part of strategic stock management efforts, the ministry said it continues to monitor food stock levels daily, assuring that reserves of essential commodities, including wheat and barley, are enough for six to ten months, in addition to rice, sugar, oils, and legumes.

The measures ensured an uninterrupted supply of goods to meet local market needs, despite increased shipping costs and additional fees imposed by some international shipping lines, it pointed out.

The Ministry stressed that the Jordanian market operates according to supply and demand mechanisms, under effective government oversight with staple commodity prices being monitored regularly.

//Petra//SS