Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.
The ministry’s representative stressed that the new rules aim at transparency in the supply chain rather than at fixing prices, and that breaches will go to the Consumer Protection Agency.
What happens next
He added that stock turnover improved by close to 12% over the last quarter, but that the cost of finance remains the first obstacle to expansion in the governorates.
The small trader is not asking for a subsidy. He is asking for one clear rule that does not change every three months.
A number of importers argue that the proposed timetable needs a transition period of at least six months, so that small businesses can adapt their accounting systems.
The Chamber’s view
- rising building-material prices among next quarter’s priorities
- A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
- A monthly report to the federation’s board
The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.
Reem El-Qady
Mona Abdel-Hakim
