Commerce Ministry warns against price manipulation as market monitoring intensifies

2026-03-25 - 10:42

Minister of Commerce and Industry, Osama Boodai, affirmed that the ministry is continuing intensive field monitoring of markets to ensure price stability, adequate supply, and the protection of consumers from violations. He stressed that regulatory authorities will take firm legal action against offenders, reports Al-Rai daily. His remarks came during an inspection tour to review tomato production following a slight shortage in local markets, attributed to the Eid holiday and the transitional period between harvest seasons. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry clarified that such shortages are a normal part of the agricultural production cycle. The tour included a visit to the central fruits and vegetables auction market (Al-Fardah), where the minister was briefed on operations and supply levels. Around 3,500 pallets of local produce are traded daily through farmers. Minister Bodi also reviewed tomato supply volumes, which reached approximately 34,000 cartons at the Wafra Company auction and about 16,000 cartons at the Kuwaiti Farmers Union auction, with expectations of further increases in the coming days. During his visit to the Kuwaiti Farmers Union auction, the minister met with farmers alongside Union President Ahmed Al-Adwani. Discussions focused on production conditions, supply flow, and market challenges, with the minister praising farmers’ efforts in supporting national food security. According to the ministry, local tomato production is expected to reach at least 350 tons per day soon, which will help stabilize supply and meet consumer demand. The minister emphasized strict adherence to approved pricing, warning against black market activities or artificial price hikes.