AMMAN — Jordanians have reported an
unprecedented increase in the prices of local and imported meat in the local
markets, noting that the price per kilogram of imported meat reached JD9, while
local meat surged to JD13, Al-Ghad reported.
اضافة اعلان
Traders noted that the price per kilogram of
Romanian lamb at the Amman slaughterhouse hit JD9.25 and retails for JD10,
resulting in decreased demand. They attributed the price hike before Ramadan to
slow meat imports and local sheep farmers storing livestock in anticipation of
exports to Gulf countries, along with slaughtering operations outside
slaughterhouses.
President of the Livestock Breeders
Association, Zaal Al-Kawalit emphasized that there is no justification for the
rise in meat prices, proposing reasonable rates for small and large Romanian
lamb and local lamb. However, he anticipated price decreases in the second week
of Ramadan due to decreased demand and increased supply.
Additionally, Sulaiman Abu Mahfouz, a cattle
breeder, criticized the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply for the
unreasonable price surge, warning of doubled meat prices if exports are
allowed. He cited increased prices of imported Romanian meat due to the
season's start coinciding with Ramadan, leading to decreased imports and local
sheep farmers awaiting export permissions.
For his part, Minister of Industry, Trade, and
Supply, Yousef Al-Shamali stated the price hike during early Ramadan days is
usual due to increased demand. Shamali affirmed the ministry's efforts in
prosecuting unjustified price hikes and maintaining financial policy to keep
inflation levels low amidst global crises like COVID-19, the Russian-Ukrainian
war, and Israel’s war on Gaza.
The Ministry of Agriculture also assured facilitating
goods flow and stock preparation for Ramadan, aiming to ensure timely delivery
to consumers while complying with import conditions and goods safety,
coordinating with relevant authorities.
Notably, the monthly demand for lamb meat and
the stock of red meat is 3,000 tonnes, expected to increase by 25 percent. As
for veal, the monthly demand is 3,750 tonnes, with an expected consumption
increase of 25 percent, reaching 4,600 tonnes. There are 3,000 tonnes of
imported veal meat provided, chilled, frozen, and vacuum-packed, along with
3,237 tonnes of veal prepared for slaughter, equivalent to 3,000 heads. This
stock of 6,237 tonnes covers post-Ramadan needs.
Read more National news
Jordan News