Amman, Aug. 5 (Petra) -- The Kingdom’s strategic reserves of essential food commodities remain sufficient and stable, with available stocks covering domestic needs for adequate periods, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply said.
The ministry said the reserves are being maintained as part of the immediate implementation of royal directives aimed at strengthening strategic stocks through coordination and partnership with the private sector to support the national food security system.
A report issued by the ministry on the adequacy of strategic reserves as of Tuesday morning showed stable levels of basic food commodities in warehouses across the Kingdom, supported by contracted quantities and incoming shipments coordinated with traders, importers, and industrial sector representatives.
The report indicated that wheat stocks currently available in warehouses stand at around 610,000 tonnes, sufficient to cover local consumption for 6.4 months, based on an average monthly consumption of 95,000 tonnes.
The ministry added that contracted wheat quantities and shipments currently in transit amount to 302,000 tonnes, covering an additional 3.2 months, bringing total wheat reserve coverage to 9.6 months.
Regarding barley, the report showed that available stocks amount to 609,000 tonnes, covering around seven months of consumption. An additional 220,000 tonnes have been contracted and are currently in transit, covering 2.5 months, bringing total barley reserve coverage to 9.5 months.
The report noted that stocks of other essential food commodities remain at safe and stable levels, covering approximately two to four months.
The ministry said maintaining strategic reserves is the result of continued coordination with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the Jordan Chamber of Industry, traders, and importers, ensuring supply stability, diversification of sources, facilitating customs clearance and import procedures, and monitoring global and local prices to ensure the availability of commodities at fair prices for consumers.
The ministry reaffirmed that it will continue inspection campaigns and monitoring of supply chains to address any changes and maintain the sustainability of food security in the Kingdom.
//Petra//WH
