He said meetings were held with representatives of government agencies and owners of egg-producing companies, so this will most likely pump additional quantities of eggs in cooperative societies within the next two days. He added that at the moment, demand is higher than supply.
He revealed the union recorded price increase violations against two cooperatives after receiving complaints about the difference in prices of food items between two cooperatives. Representatives of the two companies and the two procurement heads were summoned within two days of recording the violations.
He pointed out the union does not hesitate in taking action against any entity or company working to increase prices and create differences between cooperatives, stressing that food and essential commodities must be available to consumers without any interruption or difference in prices. Head of Al-Raqqa Cooperative Society Eyadah Al-Shammari informed the daily last September that the lack of eggs in some cooperatives is due to local egg-producing companies which export their products to neighboring countries. He asserted this is contrary to local regulations because egg is among the subsidized items.
Al-Shammari added some companies reduced the quantity of eggs supplied to cooperative societies as a result of the export of large quantities outside the country, saying that the society witnessed the disappearance of eggs for two consecutive days.
This happened despite the commitment of companies stipulated in the contracts, he said. Al-Qabas daily published a report in the middle of last month about the scarcity of eggs in some cooperative societies compared to previous days for various reasons, which contributed to rapid sales in parallel markets with a slight increase in prices.
Consumers, who experienced scarcity of eggs in cooperatives located in the areas of their residence, resorted to parallel markets where eggs were abundant and sold at a reasonable price.
This is after the price of a carton of eggs reached KD 1.250, while they were sold at prices ranging from KD 1.050 to KD 1.150 in most cooperatives. Observers criticized the delayed action of the concerned parties in finding lasting solutions to this crisis before its aggravation, particularly since it began months ago. They added this type of food is essential; hence, it is difficult to be absent from consumer tables.