Aqaba authorities 'ready' for expected surge in cargo movement in Ramadan

AMMAN — All measures are in place to deal with increased activity at the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) as Ramadan is approaching, Yusuf Mansur, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) deputy chief commissioner said Sunday.

The closure of Latakia Port in Syria over the past few days has increased pressure on the container terminal in Aqaba as several vessels were directed to Jordan. 

In addition, goods imported by traders in Jordan increased over the past few days in preparation for Ramadan, which is expected to start this week, Mansur said in an interview with The Jordan Times.

"This coincided with the company in charge of the ACT replacing its software with a new one, which caused a bit of delay due to some technical glitches," he said, dismissing as baseless reports that the delay was deliberately caused by the terminal's employees as they were planning to go on strike.

"Such wrong media reports not only harm the port and its employees, but also harm the entire economy. These are merely rumours. The port is operating as usual and we even expect an increase in handling and activities in the upcoming period," Mansur stressed.

He added that ASEZA took immediate measures to address the situation, which returned to normal.

As Ramadan is approaching, a surge in handling is also expected at the terminal as traders are stocking up on food items and supplies for the fasting month, both for local consumption and exports to neighbouring countries.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, is scheduled to start on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. 

Food and beverage consumption rises considerably during the fasting month due to a change in eating patterns.

"To ensure a smooth process and that there are no delays, ASEZA has taken several measures in coordination with ACT," Mansur noted.