Food Aplenty

DAMMAM, 17 March 2003 — Food importers in Jeddah have agreed to ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the Eastern Province in case supplies through Dammam seaport are disrupted by a US-led war on Iraq. The merchants told Al-Watan daily that there is no need to worry about any food shortage because Saudi Arabia has huge strategic food reserves and the government ensures that supply always exceeds demand. “There is no need for Saudis to stockpile food in their homes,” the merchants said. Grocery stores reported that consumers were buying 20 percent more food products in order to be prepared for a prolonged war.