Like many countries of the world some people in Qatar too started panic buying after a surge in number of COVID-19 patients in the country in a knee-jerk reaction without considering the realities.
In fact Qatar, particularly after June 2017 blockade, has a robust food security strategy in place to ensure steady supply of food stuff and other goods to the people in all circumstances.
With ‘Made in Qatar’ products, strategic reserves at warehouses and uninterrupted supply chain, the authorities in Qatar have frequently assured people to avoid panic buying. In fact, panic buying is contrary to precautionary measures needed to beat the spread of viral diseases as it creates unnecessary crowds in hypermarkets.
The officials concerned have time and again told the panic buyers to stay calm and buy only essential items required for a routine usage.
Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, has said that the Ministry maintains a strategic reserve of food items that are sufficient to meet the needs of residents for longer periods. He also said that the Ministry in cooperation with the competent authorities in the country works within a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure the smooth flow of imports of food items to the local market in sufficient quantities, at reasonable prices, and with high quality.
Meanwhile, the Qatari companies, working in food sector, including Hassad Food, Widam Food and Mahaseel for Marketing and Agri Services, have also shown their readiness and capabilities to face any possible challenge posed by COVID-19.
The companies said that they took stock of the situation and started working on main and alternative plans to meet the demand of foods in local market.
“Hassad in coordination with other state organisations is closely monitoring the situation. Now we have many main and alternative plans. For example the Chief Executive Officer of Hassad Food, Mohamed bin Badr Al Sadah, is on foreign trips to sign agreements to support the local market in case of arising need of foods,” said Mubarak Rashid Al Sahouti while talking to Qatar TV recently.
There is no doubt that food and other household items are present at retail outlets in abundance and there exist no shortage and the supply chain is also intact. Apart from imported items, now many locally-produced food items including meat, chicken, eggs, milk, vegetables etc. are available at shelves therefore avoiding panic buying is advised to discourage unrest in community.
