Ramadan in Oman: How Food Prices Will Stay Stable Amidst Soaring Demand

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Omanis eagerly prepare for a time of spiritual reflection and community bonding. Yet, one concern that often arises is whether food prices will surge alongside the increased demand for supplies. Rest assured, various proactive measures are in place to keep these costs steady.

The Surge in Demand: Preparing for Ramadan

With Ramadan just around the corner, the bustling markets of Oman are witnessing a significant uptick in purchasing activity. Shoppers and supermarkets alike are bracing themselves for this period, as essential goods like fruits and vegetables become highly sought after. But what's reassuring is that stakeholders across the board are diligently working to ensure these food items remain accessible and reasonably priced.

Othman bin Ali al Hatali, Director of Operations at the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market (Silal), explains how preparations have been made for a stable supply of both local and imported produce. In just one week—from February 10 to 17, 2025—a remarkable number of trucks arrived: 236 delivering 5,970 tons of fruits and vegetables from abroad, with an additional 3,160 tons of locally grown products. This concerted effort aims to meet the heightened demand expected during Ramadan.

To streamline operations, Silal has instituted specific delivery hours for wholesalers (4 am to 2 pm) and local farmers (4 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 11 pm), ensuring efficient processing throughout the week except Fridays.

Health and Safety: Ensuring Quality and Compliance

Beyond logistics, health standards are paramount. Silal’s team vigilantly monitors hygiene and collaborates with government bodies such as the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources to maintain market stability. Over 180 product samples have been tested for safety, reinforcing consumer trust in produce quality.

In Dhofar Governorate, the Directorate General of Consumer Protection Authority is actively monitoring commodity prices and checking for expired goods. They are committed to preventing misleading promotions and ensuring food safety through rigorous inspections, particularly focusing on sectors like meat sales, bakeries, and restaurants.

Ensuring Meat and Fish Supply: A Steady Promise

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources assures a steady supply of live meat and fish. Despite potential challenges such as adverse weather conditions, Omani markets will continue to offer fresh produce, including 169,200 heads of livestock imported since February.

Preventing Price Manipulation: The Role of the Consumer Protection Authority

To curb price manipulation during Ramadan, the Consumer Protection Authority is ramping up its efforts. They're keeping a watchful eye on prices in both small and large shopping centers, focusing particularly on misleading advertisements surrounding festive promotions. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate consumers about deceptive advertising tactics.

Supporting Low-Income Families: The 'Ramadan Basket' Initiative

To ease the financial burden during Ramadan, the CPA has launched the ‘Ramadan Basket’ initiative in collaboration with private entities. This program offers discounted food baskets to support low-income families, ensuring that everyone can celebrate this sacred month without undue stress.

In summary, Oman is making comprehensive efforts to ensure a smooth and fair Ramadan experience for all its residents. By maintaining stable prices and prioritizing health and safety standards, the country is well-prepared to meet the needs of its community during this significant time.