Amman, November 9 (Petra) – Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture Mohammad Hayari announced that the first phase of olive oil imports will include approximately 4,000 tons, noting that the quantity may be increased based on an assessment of local market needs.

Hayari said the move comes as part of the Ministry's plan to stabilise prices and ensure the availability of high-quality olive oil following a decline in local production this season.

In a statement to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Hayari explained that priority for imports will be given to the Military Consumer Corporation, the Civil Consumer Corporation, the Olive Press Owners Syndicate, the Farmers Union and private sector companies that meet the Ministry's specified conditions and standards.

He added that the import process will begin next week, while the deadline for submitting applications through the Ministry's electronic platform is next Thursday.

Selection will be made according to clear and fair criteria, based on established priorities.

He said that there will be no favouritism or nepotism, and imports will only be approved for companies with official commercial registration and full regulatory compliance.

Hayari noted that the imports will come from member states of the International Olive Council, including Turkey, Greece, Tunisia, Italy, Spain and Morocco, ensuring diversity of sources and the availability of premium-quality olive oil.

He added that imports will be limited to containers not exceeding 4 kilograms, except for the Olive Press Owners Syndicate, which will be permitted to import containers of up to 8 kilograms.

Hayari reaffirmed that the main objective of permitting imports is to meet Jordan's needs for high-quality olive oil at fair prices in accordance with Jordanian standards and specifications.

He said that the Ministry will continue to monitor the process closely to ensure transparency, equitable distribution and market stability in the coming period.

//Petra// AK