publish time

01/03/2020

author name Arab Times

publish time

01/03/2020

‘Vital commodities available, pressure remains on masks’

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 29: Activities of cooperative societies in the last few days imply stable supply of all commodities; especially the essential items, reports Al-Rai daily. Demand varies from one cooperative to another, considering the offers during the national holidays. The demand for main food items increased remarkably, particularly the goods with long shelf life.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Zahra Cooperative Society Saleh Al-Husainan affirmed the purchase process remains normal; while pointing out the high demand for masks, antiseptics and foodstuffs with long storage capacity. “We are working to provide all food products and the supply is abundant; thereby, covering the needs of consumers. Iranian and Chinese products have alternatives.

We are coordinating with suppliers, similar to what we did in previous crises. If there is any shortage, alternatives are available at a reasonable price,” he stressed. On the items that consumers need, Al-Husainan disclosed the cooperative has coordinated with companies supplying the central market. He said the Delivery Department was open during the national holidays in light of the increasing demand.

He confirmed that the cooperative, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, opened its supply center to supply food during the holidays. He stressed that since the beginning of the corona crisis, the cooperative has been taking precautionary measures such as sterilizing, cleaning and sanitizing shopping trolleys and facilities.

He confirmed halting all activities and events for the national holidays, in addition to the cancellation of the spring camp for shareholders.

On the other hand, Board Chairman of Qortuba Cooperative Society Nasser Al-Basri affirmed the availability of all products and there have been no problems so far; pointing out that compensation for alternatives to Iranian and Chinese products requires time. He revealed “the supplier of Iranian products informed us about stopping the supply and we are discussing compensation with other suppliers, most likely from Egypt and Yemen.

As for Chinese products, we have stock so far; but we are working to secure alternatives in coordination with suppliers, but they asked for more time to do this.” He added the highest demand include sterilization products, masks, and disinfectants; while assuring there is sufficient stock and there is no shortage so far.

“We are discussing with suppliers the provision of alternatives in case the situation gets worse with shortage of any product, but this requires time,” he clarified. He added the demand for food products is higher, especially canned and frozen foods which have long shelf life; as well as mineral water, vegetables and fruits.