The head of the Amman Chamber of Commerce and the Syndicate of Food Merchants, Khalil al-Hajj Tawfiq, said Saturday that market sales in the current Ramadan are the lowest in ten years.

There was a 50 percent drop in sales in the months before Ramadan, compared to previous years. 

Haji Tawfiq added that the commercial sector was surprised by the weak sales, noting that the decline is likely due to the curfew, and the declining purchasing power of citizens, despite offers on food and basic products.

He indicated that the prices of food, supplies and basic commodities are stable, except for the high prices of local poultry.

He explained that the offers on products were the largest this Ramadan, as a result of the increase in the number of shops, and their use of social media in promoting and marketing.

He pointed out that, because of low sales, merchants are concerned about the continuation of curfew hours.