I watched on TV like many others what Dr. Hashim Abdullah Al-Yamani, minister of commerce and industry, said about “adapting and living with what is available.” He said that citizens — who have experienced recently cases of cancerous peanuts and an increase in rice prices — ought to feel ashamed and habituate themselves to the new system. We must give up for good our consumer tastes and use the cheapest products available in the market. However, I truly wonder if officials will implement this policy inside their homes.
Dr. Al-Yamani appeared on the program “With No Reservation.” He declared his ministry is not to be blamed for the increase in prices. He explained that the reason for the price rise, which is unintentional, is the strength of the euro and that this has affected trade between the Kingdom and Europe. It is the fault of the euro, which has affected the price of rice, a traditional element of many Saudi and Gulf dishes.
The minister of commerce and industry confirmed that the role of his ministry includes “following up on consumer goods and making sure there is no monopoly in the market.” Dear minister, what do you think the state of rice lovers will be after the increase of prices, including that of oil, onions and chicken?
I am asking this out of curiosity. I read a news item in Al-Riyadh daily recently that said the Ministry of Commerce’s employees, until midnight, registered the names of members of the public telephoning to complain about the price increase. Then they forwarded these complaints to officials in the ministry for “necessary procedures”. I wish I knew what these “necessary procedures” were and why the ministry did not make them public.
It has also been said that the ministry’s free hotline for consumer protection received hundreds of reports from citizens complaining about the increase of prices and the different pricing of similar products in the market. Local newspapers reported that rice prices would rise by 10 percent so that a 40-kilo bag of rice, currently costing SR200, would be sold for SR220. The vendors have not confirmed if the increase in price has been approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. I wonder, how could they announce the new prices if they have not obtained the ministry’s permission? Why has the ministry not penalized people who have violated the rules?
The increase of prices, as you know, might change the condition of the middle class — that is shrinking everyday and becoming a group of poor class. There is no balance between the income and the cost of living. Is it not enough what the stock market has done to the people? Every citizen and expatriate living in the Kingdom knows very well that this is an international crisis. But the Ministry of Commerce and Industry needs to exercise some sort of control over vendors and protect the interests of consumers.
In my beloved Kingdom there must be a few leading officials who are proficient enough to solve problems before they turn into crises. We all want to enjoy a stable style of living. I beg your pardon, dear minister, I am only a citizen who is addressing another citizen in an official position.
