Egypt’s PM inspects staple goods availability ahead of Eid al-Adha

By Aya Anwar On May 28, 2024

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli during the delivery of the first three towers in the Central Business District of the NAC on Sunday. Credit: The Egyptian Cabinet.

In preparation for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly met with Minister of Supply Ali Al-Moselhy on Monday to discuss the availability of essential commodities and the country’s strategic stockpiles of staple goods.

According to a Cabinet statement, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady supply of essential goods, food items, and meat at reasonable prices for citizens across the country. This includes increasing availability within the branches of various consumer complexes throughout Egypt ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

For his part, Minister Al-Moselhy provided a detailed update on the ministry’s efforts. He highlighted continuous monitoring of essential and strategic goods, particularly sugar. To avoid any possible shortage, the minister confirmed the import of 750,000 tons with an additional 250,000 tons expected from four companies. These measures aim to bridge the gap and create a sugar stockpile sufficient to last until February 2025.

The minister further outlined the country’s strong position regarding other critical food staples. Egypt’s strategic reserves of cooking oil are sufficient for 6.2 months, until November 28th. Stockpiles of frozen poultry are even sufficient until May 18, 2025.

Livestock supplies also show positive figures, with Sudanese live meat reserves covering needs for 8.8 months and frozen meat stocks lasting until next July 25th. While pasta and rice reserves are currently sufficient for a two-month period, continuous supplies are being channeled through the Holding Company for Food Industries to consumer complexes.

Regarding wheat, a vital staple food, Al-Moselhy confirmed that existing strategic reserves can meet market demand for 5.3 months, until November 2nd, 2024, with the local wheat supply season is still ongoing, ensuring continued replenishment of the stockpile.

This proactive approach by the Egyptian government demonstrates its commitment to maintaining market stability and ensuring a smooth celebration of Eid al-Adha for all citizens, the statement concluded.

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