10 July 2012
AMMAN -- The Ministry of Industry and Trade on Monday opened an investigation into the recent increase in prices of fresh chicken in the local market to determine whether the hike is a result of imbalances in supply and demand or a rise in production costs.

A ministry statement said strict legal measures would be taken if evidence of manipulation was found.

Also Monday, the Consumer Protection Society rejected the "unjustified" hike in poultry prices.

Society President Mohammad Obeidat charged that merchants were "exploiting" consumers ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

© Jordan Times 2012