Muscat – To ensure the availability of consumer goods in markets during Ramadan, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) and Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) inspected Mawaleh Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits in Muscat on Tuesday.

Led by H E Dr Ahmed bin Nasser al Bakri, Undersecretary for Agriculture in MAFWR, and Salim bin Ali al Hakmani, Chairman of CPA, a team visited the market in Seeb.

The visit aimed to ensure the availability of fruits and vegetables, while prioritising the supply of local products – such as watermelon, tomatoes and cucumbers. The team urged suppliers to provide all vegetables and fruits in sufficient quantities and of high quality prior to the beginning of Ramadan.

Additionally, in cooperation with 11 commercial centres in various governorates, CPA has launched a reasonably priced food basket for needy families.

A statement issued by CPA said, ‘The Ramadan Family Pack includes several essential food items and is priced between RO9.500 and RO10.500. The objective of the food basket is to ensure fast and safe shopping for both locals and residents.’

The statement added, ‘The food basket was launched before the advent of the holy month of Ramadan so that all consumers, affected families, people with low income and charitable societies benefit from it.’

The authority has also carried out inspection visits to shops and commercial centres in various governorates in efforts to monitor markets before Ramadan.

According to a CPA official, the authority’s department in Rustaq, South Batinah has been monitoring commercial entities engaged in the food business to ensure availability of goods in markets.

Working hours at central market

Muscat Municipality has announced Ramadan timing for Mawaleh Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits. Wholesale stores will be open Saturday to Thursday, 4am to 5pm, while retail shops can conduct business throughout the week morning to evening. The market will remain closed on Friday.