
Ministry warns against market manipulation during Ramadan
The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply on Tuesday reaffirmes the legal consequences for merchants who conceal essential goods or refuse to sell price-controlled commodities during Ramadan (JT file)
AMMAN — The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply on Tuesday reaffirmed the legal consequences for merchants who conceal essential goods or refuse to sell price-controlled commodities during Ramadan, warning of fines up to JD3,000.
The ministry also stressed that retailers who hide basic materials, overcharge, or unjustifiably refuse to sell price-regulated goods face penalties under existing legislation, including fines between JD1,000 and JD3,000, imprisonment for two to six months, or both.
The ministry also cited Article 11 of the Industry and Trade Law, which requires merchants to clearly display prices for all merchandise, whether price-controlled or not, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
"When direct labelling is impractical, a visible price list must be placed near the store entrance. Noncompliance carries fines between JD100 and JD500."
As part of its Ramadan consumer awareness campaign, the ministry urged citizens to report violations via its complaints hotline (065661176), Facebook page (facebook.com/mit.gov.jo), or the official website (mit.gov.jo).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Roya News
5 days ago
- Roya News
Roya Media Group breaks records and leads viewership during Ramadan 2025
Roya Media Group delivered an exceptional performance across all its platforms during Ramadan 2025, achieving record-breaking numbers that reflect the strong engagement of its audience and reaffirm its position as a leading media powerhouse in Jordan and the region. According to the RMG's internal data analysis, Roya's digital platforms surpassed 2 billion views across social media, marking a 42 percent increase compared to last year. Additionally, its website and mobile apps recorded over 72 million views, reflecting a 26 percent year-on-year growth. Roya TV confirms its leadership in the media landscape for the ninth consecutive year, based on reliable data from several research firms. For the sixth consecutive year, according to Ipsos, a market and public opinion research company, the results of a recent study showed that Roya TV ranked first in terms of daily viewership of TV channels in Jordan during the month of Ramadan in 2025. The channel achieved a daily viewership share of 56.6 percent, representing a 12.5 percent increase compared to Ramadan 2024. More than 2.8 million viewers in Jordan tuned in to Roya TV every day throughout the month, a testament to the strength and quality of its programming, which continues to engage a wide range of Jordanian audiences. Several standout programs captured audience attention. The 'Comedy Hour' led daily ratings with a 25.3 percent share, reflecting a 49 percent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, 'Roya News Bulletin' continued to dominate local news programming with an 8.3 percent daily share, up 22 percent, securing its lead among competing news broadcasts. In the cooking show category, which sees significant viewership during Ramadan, Roya TV ranked first with all its culinary programs, including: "Roya Kitchen with Nabil," "Aqwa Sofra," "Yalla Notbukh," and "Habaibna Allazam." In the drama category, "Al Sabaa" and "Taht Sabe' Arḍ" were the top-rated drama series in Jordan throughout Ramadan 2025. About Ipsos Ipsos has operated in Jordan since 1998 as a subsidiary of Ipsos Global, which was founded in Paris in 1975. The company specializes in economic and strategic research, media and marketing studies, customer and employee relations, social research, and public opinion polling. Ipsos ranks third globally in research and is the top research firm in the Middle East and North Africa. It operates in 90 countries and employs over 19,000 specialists worldwide. Ipsos has covered all Arab countries in the MENA region since 1988 and has been listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 1999. The study was conducted during Ramadan 2025 with a representative sample of 1,100 individuals aged 15 and above.


Al Bawaba
29-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
U.S. Federal court strikes down Trump's global tariffs in blow to trade strategy
ALBAWABA- In a significant legal rebuke to President Donald Trump's trade agenda, a U.S. federal court has blocked his sweeping global tariffs, ruling that he overstepped constitutional limits on executive power. The Court of International Trade found that the administration's use of emergency powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize the president to impose tariffs unilaterally on nearly every country. The White House on Thursday blasted a federal court's decision to block many of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, marking a major setback to his trade strategy. Full story: — AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 29, 2025 The New York-based court reaffirmed that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the exclusive authority to regulate international trade. It also invalidated a separate set of duties targeting China, Mexico, and Canada, imposed under claims of drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The decision came in response to two lawsuits: one filed by the Liberty Justice Center on behalf of small importers, and another by a coalition of 12 states led by New York. Attorney General Letitia James hailed the ruling: "The law is clear: no president has the power to raise taxes whenever they like single-handedly.' The White House quickly condemned the ruling as 'blatantly wrong,' vowing to appeal and seeking a stay on the order. 'It is not for unelected judges to decide how to address a national emergency properly,' said Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai. This marks the first major legal defeat for Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs, a central pillar of his economic platform. However, the court did not address tariffs on specific goods such as steel, aluminum, and cars, which fall under a different legal framework.


Al Bawaba
25-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
Economic Relations Between Japan and the Middle East
Published May 25th, 2025 - 09:22 GMT Dr. Gil Feiler Japan and the Middle East have maintained robust economic ties for decades, shaped largely by energy interdependence, trade, and investment dynamics. Japan's industrialized economy is highly dependent on imported energy resources—particularly crude oil and natural gas—most of which come from the Middle East. Conversely, Middle Eastern countries have leveraged Japan's demand to fuel their export revenues, while also benefiting from Japanese investments, technology, and infrastructure development. Over the past two decades, these relations have evolved in response to shifts in global energy markets, technological innovation, and regional geopolitical changes. Energy as the Cornerstone of Economic Ties Energy has been the central pillar of Japan–Middle East economic relations since the 1970s oil shocks, which prompted Japan to secure stable energy supplies. As of 2023, Japan imports over 90% of its crude oil, with approximately 88% coming from the Middle East, according to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The primary suppliers include: - Saudi Arabia: ~40% of Japan's crude oil imports- United Arab Emirates (UAE): ~25%- Kuwait: ~8%- Qatar: ~5% - Iran (prior to sanctions): was once a significant exporter to Japan Natural gas is also a vital part of the relationship. While Japan increasingly diversifies its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sources, Qatar remains a key supplier, contributing about 11% of Japan's total LNG imports in 2022. In return, Japan provides the Middle East with industrial equipment, automobiles, and advanced technologies. This mutually beneficial trade dynamic reinforces a strong economic partnership, though one asymmetrically centered on Japan's dependence on Dynamics and Key Sectors In 2022, Japan's trade with the Middle East totaled over $160 billion, according to Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), marking a significant rebound from COVID-19 lows in 2020. The trade breakdown is as follows: - Imports from the Middle East: ~$110 billion (mostly crude oil and LNG) - Exports to the Middle East: ~$50 billion Key Export Sectors from Japan:- Automobiles and Auto Parts: Japanese car brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are dominant in markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.- Machinery and Electronics: Includes industrial machinery, construction equipment, and consumer electronics. - Infrastructure and Construction Services: Japanese firms like Mitsubishi and Hitachi are active in infrastructure projects across the Gulf. Regional Distribution:- GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain) account for over 80% of Japan's Middle East trade.- Non-GCC countries, such as Iran (prior to sanctions), Iraq, Egypt, and Israel, also play limited but growing roles in Japan's regional trade and Financial Cooperation Japanese direct investment in the Middle East is relatively modest compared to Western powers but is increasing steadily, particularly in strategic sectors. The following areas see the most activity: 1. Energy and Renewable EnergyJapanese energy firms (e.g., JERA, INPEX, JOGMEC) collaborate with Middle Eastern companies on oil and gas exploration, refining, and LNG facilities. As the region shifts toward decarbonization, Japan is also investing in:- Hydrogen projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE - Solar and wind energy partnerships, particularly in Oman and Jordan 2. Infrastructure and Urban DevelopmentJapan has financed or built parts of:- Metro systems (e.g., Cairo Metro)- Ports and logistics facilities in the Gulf - Industrial zones and smart cities, such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia (Japanese firms are among the technology partners) 3. Financial Cooperation Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have supported Middle Eastern infrastructure and disaster resilience projects. Japan has extended credit lines and loans to countries like Egypt and Jordan, particularly after the Arab Spring. Strategic and Diplomatic Context Economic relations are deeply intertwined with diplomatic considerations. Japan has consistently maintained a neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts, allowing it to engage with diverse states—including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, and Palestine—without alienating others. This diplomacy-first approach underpins stable economic engagement across the region. In 2023, Japan launched the Japan–GCC Strategic Dialogue, aimed at deepening cooperation beyond oil. The initiative targets innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and human resources. Moreover, Japan supports the Abraham Accords and has explored business opportunities involving Israel and Gulf countries. Japan-Israel economic relations are focused on high-tech sectors such as cybersecurity, biotech, and AI. Challenges and Risks Despite the strength of economic ties, several challenges remain: 1. Geopolitical Risks Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Israel–Palestine conflict, or instability in Iraq and Iran could disrupt Japan's energy imports and supply chains. Japan has deployed naval forces in the region to safeguard maritime transport routes. 2. Energy Transition Pressures As Japan pursues net-zero goals by 2050, its long-term reliance on hydrocarbons poses a strategic dilemma. Japan is actively exploring hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels but transitioning away from Middle Eastern oil remains complex and gradual. 3. Competition from China and Western Powers China has emerged as a dominant player in the Middle East, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often outpacing Japan in infrastructure and investment deals. Japan competes by emphasizing quality, technology, and long-term partnerships. Future Outlook The future of Japan–Middle East economic relations will likely be characterized by diversification and innovation. Key trends include: - Energy diversification: Japan will increasingly partner with Gulf states on clean hydrogen, LNG, and carbon capture technologies.- Digital economy and AI: Japan may leverage its expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence in collaboration with tech hubs like the UAE and Israel.- Food security and agriculture: Japan has begun exporting agricultural technology and vertical farming systems to arid Middle Eastern countries. - Tourism and culture: With Gulf countries opening to global tourism, Japan is also working on people-to-people ties, offering scholarships and cultural exchanges. Japan's emphasis on stability, long-term cooperation, and high-quality technology positions it as a resilient economic partner in a volatile region. Conclusion Economic relations between Japan and the Middle East are historically rooted in energy interdependence but are evolving in scope and complexity. With trade surpassing $160 billion and growing cooperation in infrastructure, green energy, and technology, the relationship remains vital for both regions. Japan's strategic neutrality and economic reliability continue to make it a preferred partner in the Middle East, even as both sides adapt to shifting global and regional dynamics. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (