Oman’s markets hit by fruit and vegetable shortage – report

Several supermarkets and markets in Oman have been hit by a shortage of fruits and vegetables, according to reports.

Times of Oman cited a number of market managers and personnel as confirming the shortage, believed to be related to enhanced checks on produce at the country’s border.

Government officials announced the introduction of stricter controls on fruits and vegetables last month following a ban on exports of melons, carrots and watercress from Oman by the UAE due to dangerous pesticide levels.

Read: Oman ups inspections, controls on fruits and vegetables after UAE ban

A certificate indicating pesticide percentage must now be submitted with all produce imports and exports.

“A major cause is the time these supply is taking to get cleared at the border, however, we hope that the situation will improve over the next few days,” an official from one of the leading hypermarkets in the country was quoted as saying.

Saif Ahmed, a seller at Mawaleh markets, told the publication that the issue had been going on since before Ramadan resulting in a 10 per cent decline in the food items he had for sale.

However, another official from Carrefour denied the company had faced any issues with the supply of produce.