Amman, Feb 14 (Petra) – Officials and observers spoke of a robust local market, teeming with shoppers ahead of the holy month of Ramadan amid assurances that staple commodities are in abundant supply and at moderate prices for all, along with close market monitoring by authorities to protect consumers.

Authorities said commercial activity is growing as Ramadan draws near, assuring that there are no indications of shortages, and speaking of ongoing monitoring efforts to control prices and prevent consumer exploitation during the month of fasting.

Earlier last month, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply unveiled a plan to ensure Ramadan market stability, with stepped up inspection tours, replenished food stocks, and daily monitoring of prices.

The Ministry pointed to a safe strategic stock of basic commodities as the prices of about 90 item are being monitored, with some having their prices dropping and most remaining steady.

For its part, the Civil Service Consumer Corporation launched a 43-day campaign offering discounts of up to 41 percent on Ramadan-related items and goods to ease the burden on citizens and promote market stability.

The corporation also announced it will issue coupons and prepaid shopping cards redeemable at all its markets across the Kingdom's regions, part of a commitment to its national and social role.

This service is available to ministries, government institutions and departments, private sector companies and organizations, as well as charitable societies and philanthropists, enabling them to provide direct support to beneficiaries, said Director General of the corporation, Issam Jarrah.

Jamal Amr, representative of the food sector at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, told Petra that all food items are available in sufficient supplies in the local market, adding that the value of the consumer basket has dropped by about 8 percent, compared to last Ramadan.

He pointed to an abundance of various goods in the local market due to multiple import sources and diverse origins, which has strengthened competition and helped to lower prices.

//Petra//SS