Market food prices in the Kingdom of Bahrain have dropped by 50 to 70 per cent when compared to July and August, a trader said.

'Prices would even decrease further as local markets abound in goods from countries all over the world, Al Bustani Importing Company owner Ridha Al Bustani said.

He was speaking as Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro inspected Manama central vegetable market.

'The markets are awash with fresh Saudi vegetables at affordable prices as easy transport helps reduce costs,' Al Bustani said.

The sharp drop in prices concern lemon, pomegranate, cucumber, zucchini, bananas and various other food items.

The ministry's efforts to streamline import procedures and ensure co-ordination with authorities concerned were also praised.

Traders attributed the substantial decrease in food prices to increased supplies.

Dr Fakhro also visited Manama and Muharraq central meat markets.

According to meat traders, the market is oversupplied. Some even went further, requesting their daily quotas to be reduced.

Bahrain Livestock Company has supplied the market with 30,000 Australian sheep and 900 from Somalia, in addition to 400 cattle over this week.

Dr Fakhro praised the company's efforts to cater to consumers' needs, particularly when demand surges during festive days and religious events.

He instructed ministry officials to continuously monitor market trends and ensure sufficient supplies are available.

He also reiterated the government's resolve to streamline procedures for basic stable to sufficiently available for customers. Dr Fakhro also toured Mega Mart and Last Chance in Muharraq to ensure prices are dropping effectively.-TradeArabia News Service