KUWAIT: The price of tomatoes has soared again, evidenced by the few quantities that are on display for sale at local markets . The scarcity of locally cultivated ones has been cited as one of the reasons behind burgeoning prices, reported Al-Watan. Syrian and Turkish tomatoes have been dominating local markets in the absence of Kuwaiti one.

Observers added that a large Syrian tomato box (weighing 7 to 9 kilograms ) is sold for KD 3.5 while the Turkish variety is sold for KD 4.5. On the other hand, Egyptian onion prices have also increased in the absence of Saudi and Iranian ones. Other vegetable prices have remained the same. At the same time, fish prices were marked by a slight drop due to low demand at local fish markets where Zubaidi (pomfret) is sold for KD 5.5 to 6 per kilogram. The Iranian variety is sold for KD 4.5 per kilogram.

A parliament member recently heaped blame on Fadel Safar, Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Municipality Affairs for the rapid increase in vegetables prices. He was also accused of failing to address problems present in the main vegetable market at Al-Shuwaikh.

Furthermore, MP Mohammad Hayef further went as far as to urge the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah to relieve Minister Dr Fadhel Safar from his duties 'after failing to commit to his promises,' indicating that the country is 'living' a crisis.

We have warned the minister previously about a potential price rise crisis due to the Municipality's actions have caused merchants severe losses," MP Hayef said. He referred to the Municipality's failure to renew contracts to supply products in the market, as well as its failure to handle the space crunch issue in Shuwaikh market, reported Al-Rai.

Meanwhile, MP Hayef also held Dr Safar accountable for the fish prices increase, which he said were caused by 'abrupt procedures' adopted by the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources(PAAAFR).

Meanwhile, the situation at fruit and vegetable markets in Shuwaikh are going from bad to worse as the contracts between the municipality and one of the labor supply companies has expired, reported Al-Shahed. The municipality failed to renew the contract with the current contractor and did not make alternative plans with another company.

Vegetable Suppliers Union Chairman, Khalid Al-Farhan, held the Minister of Public Works and Municipal Affairs Dr Fadhel Safar responsible for the crisis. He pointed out that the minister failed to attend the meeting he was invited to in order to discuss the problem and find potential solutions. He said his absence from the meeting indicates that the municipality has no clear plan to solve the problem. He added that the suppliers union is ready to cooperate and handle the responsibilities on a temporary bas
is for three months.- Kuwait Times