Tuesday 17 / February / 2026
Muscat: Markets, shops and shopping centres in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman nowadays are undergoing strong purchasing activity and a high rate of readiness for holy month of Ramadan this year, 1447 AH (2026).
In anticipation of high demand, trading parties take measures to ensure the availability of basic commodities like fruits and vegetables at reasonable and stable prices.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources reported that, with effect from 1 February 2026, the total number of imported livestock stood at 129,875 (including 9,456 heads of cattle and 120,419 sheep) for which 88 import permits issued.
The Ministry also affirmed the availability of fish during the holy month of Ramadan. It reported that it acted in coordination with fish sale companies, transporters and retailers to ensure the availability of adequate supplies, even in the event of exceptional weather conditions.
Othman Ali Al Hattali, Director of Operations at the Central Vegetable and Fruit Market (Silal), said that market boasts highly equipped infrastructure, an integrated trading hall and modern service and logistics facilities—all designed to meet the availability of supplies during the peak period.
Al Hattali told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Silal more than 520 shipments arrived countries of origin, loaded with more than 12,000 tonnes of vegetables and fruits, since the start of February 2026.
He pointed out that Silal market accords great attention to supporting local agricultural products by allocating suitable display spaces and by coordinating with local farmers and suppliers to ensure the flow of supply. Accordingly, this marked has received more than 11,000 tonnes of grocery produce since the start of this month (February 2026), he added.
He explained that Silal market centre applies the highest standards of health and food safety in coordination with the competent authorities, including the Royal Oman Police General Directorate of Customs, the Agricultural Quarantine and Food Safety Department (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources) related firms.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Badrani, Director General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar Governorate, said that the governorate's markets are fully prepared to meet high demand for goods and foodstuffs during the holy month of Ramadan
He also affirmed the smooth operation of supply chains and the governorate’s readiness to address any shortages in supply.
In the Governorate of South Al Batinah, the main markets in various wilayats have seen a tangible availability of food supplies, thanks to ongoing efforts and field monitoring conducted by municipalities and other departments.
Al Rustaq market stands out as a prime example of this abundance, with relatively stable prices and a readily available supply of essential commodities.
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Maamari, Director of Al Rustaq Municipality Department, said that municipality is conducting awareness programmes and inspecting the validity of products, their display and storage methods and ensuring compliance with approved health regulations.
In a related context, Said bin Ibrahim Al Shehhi, Head of the Communication and Media Department at the Consumer Protection Department in Musandam Governorate, said that field monitoring showed that goods were available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of consumers, including vegetables and fruits of all kinds, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
Meanwhile, Sami Salim Al Hadhrami, Director of the Health Affairs Department at the A’Dakhiliyah Municipality, said that the authorities concerned have intensified preparations for the holy month of Ramadan to ensure the availability and stability of basic goods and food supplies and to maintain health inspection.
Al Dhahirah Municipality also affirmed that it completed preparations for the holy month of Ramadan through the implementation of an integrated operational plan aimed at providing municipal services to citizens and residents.
To this effect, Abdullah Rashid Al Yaqoubi, Director of the Health Affairs Department at Al Dhahirah Municipality, said that the municipality entrusted specialized work teams with the mission of monitoring food establishments, markets and shops. The teams conducted periodic inspection visits to ensure compliance with approved health regulations, general and personal hygiene (for workers) and the implementation of adequate methods of storing food, he added.
