Saudi supply companies and chains have begun increasing their share of strategic reserves of consumer goods in preparation for the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. This comes amid drastic preventive measures taken by Saudi Arabia against the coronavirus outbreak.
Touring several warehouses at major hypermarkets, Asharq Al-Awsat noted the availability in food products and even promotional offers. Most promotions are made on products frequently used during Ramadan.
This has relieved consumers who were worried about food shortages during the holy month which is set to begin towards the end of April.
Prior agreements on securing consumer goods have helped in protecting market stability during exceptional times, as the coronavirus rocks global markets with shortages.
Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) Chairman Ajlan al-Ajlan told Asharq Al-Awsat that imports from all countries, including China, continue to arrive on time and according to deals previously struck with exporting companies.
He also added that Saudi companies had built their inventory in strategic manner to cover Ramadan, which is why there are no shortage concerns for all commodities, especially basic foods.
Board executive of Abdul Rahman Al Shalan Trade Sons Co, also known as Shalasco, Mohammed Al Shaalan said that the government is closely monitoring the local market and is supporting traders comprehensively.
Al Shaalan drew attention to cooperation between primary merchants and the sales outlets which made supplies widely available and enough until mid-2021. He also noted that shoppers’ awareness had helped.
