House panel recommends ways to rein in recent hike on basic commodities prices

House panel recommends ways to rein in recent hike on basic commodities prices

Ammon News - The Lower House Economic and Investment Committee recommended to zero tax on all basic commodities, ensure a year-sufficient stock to achieve food security, slash prices in cooperation between the public and private sectors, and reduce energy costs for the foodstuff production.During a meeting held on Sunday, attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Maha Al-Ali, the committee has also recommended a discussion to go over the price spike in basic food commodities (sugar, rice and oil), monitor markets, and prevent monopoly.Speaking during the meeting, its head, MP Khaled Abu Hassan, said the committee will submit its recommendations to the House Speaker to send them to the Prime Minister to address the issue, noting that the House's role is based on protecting the consumer and reducing prices.Abu Hassan added that the meeting came to find out the reasons behind the recent price rise in some foodstuffs, "which concerns all citizens, as the consumer has a basic right to buy commodity of high quality by an acceptable price."The MP stressed the need to protect the consumer, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic-induced repercussions on the citizen.For her part, Al-Ali said the ministry is monitoring