Consumer society calls for reducing prices at hummus, falafel joints

AMMAN — The Consumer Protection Society (CPS) on Tuesday called on the government to intervene and reduce food prices at restaurants exempt from sales tax, citing a decrease in the prices of ingredients used in cooking.

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times, CPS President Mohammad Obeidat was quoted as saying that prices of raw materials used in traditional dishes have decreased "dramatically", a phenomenon which should require restaurants serving these meals to lower their prices. 

Obeidat noted that prices of materials used in the production of hummus and falafel have decreased by 20 per cent, calling on restaurants exempted from sales tax to lower the prices of these two items, which, he said, are basic meals for most Jordanians.

He noted that prices of olive oil have decreased by JD27 per gallon in the local market, in addition to the falling costs of other types of oil used more often in such restaurants and those of gas cylinders, according to the statement.

Obeidat added that prices of tahini, fava beans, ground foul and chickpeas have seen a "dramatic decrease" to JD34, JD12.75, JD17 and JD670, per gallon, per 25kg bag, per 5kg bag and per tonne respectively. 

The CPS president also noted that prices of plastic and carton containers and electricity have decreased in the local market, as well as fees for job permits.

He highlighted that most of these restaurants employ Syrians and Egyptians, which affects Jordanians' chances of finding employment, adding that "what is being said about Jordanians shying away from such jobs is unrealistic", according to the statement.