Egypt studies establishment of giant stores of commodities amid COVID-19 crisis

CAIRO - 19 April 2020: Egypt is studying establishing giant stores of basic commodities in seven governorates at a cost of $1.3 million, in accordance with the directives of President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi to increase the state’s basic commodities' stockpile, Ministry of Supply announced in a statement on Sunday.

The ministry added that the establishment of the stores will enhance the state’s basic commodities of wheat and meat to be sufficient for nine months instead of six, amid the current repercussions of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Last week, Reuters reported that Egypt bought less wheat than the anticipated, adding that the country aims to increase its reserves.

On April 2, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli held an online meeting with the ministers to discuss the availability of the basic commodities in markets at affordable prices ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan.