The advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, Mohamed Hanoun, confirmed today, Wednesday, that Iraq holds a food reserve of 5 million tons, which contributes to enhancing food security and meeting the needs of citizens. He noted that the ministry monitors the market, and there are legal penalties that can reach up to two years in prison for traders manipulating prices.
Hanoun said in a press statement reviewed by the "Video News Agency" that "the food package that was launched comes as part of a comprehensive food basket that includes over 41 million citizens, in addition to families covered by social protection."
He added, "The other aspect of the ministry's mission is to monitor and oversee the market, through awareness and coordination with security agencies, especially the National Security Apparatus and the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime," pointing out that "there has been an improvement in the markets compared to the situation two days ago."
He clarified that "the monitoring teams affiliated with the ministry track prices and verify them in the markets, and based on the recorded prices, necessary actions are taken, whether to release the food basket and supply food materials in the markets, or in coordination with the private sector to provide materials through hypermarket outlets."
He continued that "the ministry has managed over the past two or three years to control the food situation, thanks to having a large stock of food materials," indicating that "the reserve amounts to 5 million tons, in addition to the availability of between 4 and 5 comprehensive food items."
He confirmed that "food security has remained achievable even amidst events related to the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to the available stock and the measures taken."
Regarding the measures taken against traders who exploit consumers and manipulate prices, Hanoun emphasized that "the ministry takes legal actions against violators upon proving exploitation," explaining that "the penalties prescribed by law include fines and imprisonment."
He pointed out that "the prison term may reach one or two years, depending on the type of violation and legal provisions."