Latest news with #OthmanbinAlialHatali
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman food prices to remain steady during Ramadan
MUSCAT: As the holy month of Ramadan draws near, markets across Oman are experiencing a surge in purchasing activity, with shops and shopping centres preparing for a significant increase in demand for food supplies. In particular, essential commodities like fruits and vegetables are expected to see a sharp rise in demand. To meet this, various stakeholders are proactively working to ensure that food items remain both available and affordable throughout the month. Othman bin Ali al Hatali, Director of Operations at the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market (Silal), outlined the preparations to ensure a steady supply of both local and imported produce. From February 10 to 17, 2025, a total of 236 trucks delivered 5,970 tons of imported fruits and vegetables, while 3,160 tons of local agricultural products arrived, ensuring the market can meet the expected Ramadan demand. The market has also optimized its operations by establishing specific delivery hours for smooth processing. Trucks carrying wholesale goods will be received between 4 am and 2 pm, while local agricultural products will be accepted in two shifts: from 4 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm. These hours will be in effect throughout the week, excluding Fridays. In addition to these logistics efforts, health and safety are top priorities. Silal's team continuously monitors hygiene standards and works closely with government agencies, including the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, to maintain a stable market. Over 180 product samples have already been tested for safety, ensuring the quality of produce for consumers. To support market stability during Ramadan, the Directorate General of Consumer Protection Authority in Dhofar Governorate is ramping up its efforts. This includes monitoring commodity prices, controlling expired goods, and conducting market surveys to prevent misleading promotional offers. Health authorities are on high alert, with the Dhofar Municipality's Health Control Department launching inspection campaigns to ensure food safety, particularly in high-demand sectors such as meat sales, bakeries, and restaurants. Their aim is to guarantee that food establishments meet health regulations, ensuring safe and healthy food for all consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has also assured the public of a steady supply of live meat and fish, with a particular focus on maintaining stable prices. Since February 1, the Sultanate has imported 169,200 heads of live livestock, including cows, sheep, and goats. Fish will continue to be available in the markets, even in the event of adverse weather conditions. The Consumer Protection Authority is intensifying its efforts to prevent price manipulation and monitor food prices across both small and large shopping centers. It will also focus on preventing deceptive advertising, particularly surrounding Ramadan promotions. The Authority is conducting awareness campaigns to ensure that consumers are not misled by false advertising. Additionally, to support low-income families, the CPA has launched the 'Ramadan Basket' initiative in collaboration with private entities. The initiative provides discounted food baskets, helping to alleviate the financial strain on families during this sacred month. The CPA is also committed to preventing price inflation during this high-demand period, ensuring fair prices for all. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
23-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Markets in Oman gear up for Ramadan consumer demand
Muscat – As markets prepares for Ramadan, expected to start on March 1, authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure a smooth consumer experience throughout the holy month. Various sectors are taking proactive steps to meet an expected surge in demand for essential goods and services. Othman bin Ali al Hatali, Director of Operations at Silal Fruit and Vegetable Central Market, outlined its strategy to maintain a steady supply of products. From February 10 to 17, the market received 236 trucks carrying nearly 6,000 tonnes of imported vegetables and fruits. Local agricultural products also saw a significant increase with 3,160 tonnes of local produce arriving during in this period. The market is working in close coordination with government entities, including Royal Oman Police and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) to ensure product quality and safety. MAFWR confirmed that markets are well-prepared to meet the demand for meat and fish. Since February 1, approximately 169,200 live animals have been imported, including cows, sheep and goats. To further ensure a steady supply, 60 permits have been issued for import of livestock. The ministry also assured the public that fish will be available even if adverse weather conditions affect transportation. Ongoing coordination with fish marketing companies and transporters aims to maintain a reliable supply during Ramadan. Khalid bin Salem al Siyabi, Director of Market Regulation and Monitoring Department in Consumer Protection Authority, highlighted the authority's efforts to protect consumer rights during the busy Ramadan period. Increased inspections will be conducted in markets and shopping centres to monitor price hikes or market manipulation. The authority will also focus on ensuring quality of products and scrutinising commercial advertisements, particularly those related to Ramadan discounts, to prevent misleading claims. To support this, an awareness campaign – titled 'Beware… it may not be what it seems!' – has been launched to educate consumers about deceptive advertising practices. The initiative also seeks to help the public distinguish between effective and misleading marketing techniques as Ramadan and Eid al Fitr approach. Ali Abdullah al Marhoon, Head of Health Control Department in Dhofar Municipality, confirmed that inspection campaigns targeting food establishments will take place during Ramadan. These inspections will focus on meat sales, dates, bakeries and restaurants to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Marhoon encouraged the community to report any concerns via the municipality's call centre. In Al Wusta, Haitham bin Ali al Junaibi, Director of Consumer Protection Department, assured the public that essential food items, including vegetables, fruits and local fish, are readily available in shops and markets.
Times of Oman
23-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman food prices to remain steady during Ramadan
MUSCAT: As the holy month of Ramadan draws near, markets across Oman are experiencing a surge in purchasing activity, with shops and shopping centres preparing for a significant increase in demand for food supplies. In particular, essential commodities like fruits and vegetables are expected to see a sharp rise in demand. To meet this, various stakeholders are proactively working to ensure that food items remain both available and affordable throughout the month. Othman bin Ali al Hatali, Director of Operations at the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market (Silal), outlined the preparations to ensure a steady supply of both local and imported produce. From February 10 to 17, 2025, a total of 236 trucks delivered 5,970 tons of imported fruits and vegetables, while 3,160 tons of local agricultural products arrived, ensuring the market can meet the expected Ramadan demand. The market has also optimized its operations by establishing specific delivery hours for smooth processing. Trucks carrying wholesale goods will be received between 4 am and 2 pm, while local agricultural products will be accepted in two shifts: from 4 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm. These hours will be in effect throughout the week, excluding Fridays. In addition to these logistics efforts, health and safety are top priorities. Silal's team continuously monitors hygiene standards and works closely with government agencies, including the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, to maintain a stable market. Over 180 product samples have already been tested for safety, ensuring the quality of produce for consumers. To support market stability during Ramadan, the Directorate General of Consumer Protection Authority in Dhofar Governorate is ramping up its efforts. This includes monitoring commodity prices, controlling expired goods, and conducting market surveys to prevent misleading promotional offers. Health authorities are on high alert, with the Dhofar Municipality's Health Control Department launching inspection campaigns to ensure food safety, particularly in high-demand sectors such as meat sales, bakeries, and restaurants. Their aim is to guarantee that food establishments meet health regulations, ensuring safe and healthy food for all consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has also assured the public of a steady supply of live meat and fish, with a particular focus on maintaining stable prices. Since February 1, the Sultanate has imported 169,200 heads of live livestock, including cows, sheep, and goats. Fish will continue to be available in the markets, even in the event of adverse weather conditions. The Consumer Protection Authority is intensifying its efforts to prevent price manipulation and monitor food prices across both small and large shopping centers. It will also focus on preventing deceptive advertising, particularly surrounding Ramadan promotions. The Authority is conducting awareness campaigns to ensure that consumers are not misled by false advertising. Additionally, to support low-income families, the CPA has launched the 'Ramadan Basket' initiative in collaboration with private entities. The initiative provides discounted food baskets, helping to alleviate the financial strain on families during this sacred month. The CPA is also committed to preventing price inflation during this high-demand period, ensuring fair prices for all.
