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Tribune News Network Doha Qatar’s strategic stock of food items and other subsidised supplies is sufficient to cover demand for over a year, Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari said on Wednesday. Stating that Qatar’s imports continue at the same pace without any change, he called upon local suppliers, outlets and manufacturers to play their role in importing, providing, showcasing and selling goods in quantities as required by consumers. The minister made these remarks after making tour of a number of malls and retail outlets across the country to closely inspect the strategic stock of food products and commodities, assess consumption dynamics and the availability of goods for consumers, citizens and residents, and to monitor the latest developments. The minister was briefed in detail by managers and operators of malls and outlets on the availability of food products, consumer goods and subsidised supplies. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining market stability and meeting the needs of consumers in terms of basic commodities. The minister lauded the efforts of retail outlets in meeting needs of consumers and storing the necessary supplies in warehouses to replenish shelves and ensure the availability of products regardless of the level of demand. Highlighting the ministry’s readiness to address any shortcomings by any party, he said, “The ministry monitors markets on a regular basis to determine the availability of food and consumer goods across all retail outlets, malls and supermarkets.” He added that the state continues to import all kinds of food products from different sources and countries through air cargo and sea ports. All suppliers are coordinating to maintain normal imports, he said adding that alternative plans have been made to address any shortage in goods. The minister stressed that prices remained stable with no impact on the abundance of goods, food and consumer products. The minister stressed that any outlet that tries to take advantage of the crisis will face closure and a fine in accordance with consumer protection law.
