Ministry of State for Municipal Affairs: Maximum of 5 water containers per purchase bill
The Ministry of Social Affairs has emphasized the continued enforcement of the directive setting a maximum limit on the purchase of bottled water from central markets and branches of cooperative societies, capped at five crates per purchase invoice. It stressed the necessity of full compliance with this regulation and strict adherence to the controls governing sales operations, given the current circumstances facing the country.
A senior source revealed that the Cooperation Sector within the ministry, under the direct supervision of Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, has instructed the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies to urge all cooperatives to strictly enforce the directive and ensure that central markets and branches adhere to the prescribed limits on bottled water purchases.
The source clarified that the directive remains in effect and that the ministry’s instructions are clear: large-volume purchases must be prevented, as such behavior is unjustified, incites panic among consumers, and encourages hoarding beyond actual needs. He affirmed that the objective of maintaining the directive is to regulate sales, ensure equitable and regular access to water for all consumers, and prevent individual practices that could disrupt product availability within cooperatives or cause unjustified congestion at sales points.
The source noted that water factories continue to produce large quantities of bottled water and that supply operations are ongoing to meet the needs of markets and cooperative societies. He stressed that the purchase limits are not due to a production shortage but are part of regulatory and precautionary measures aimed at controlling purchasing behavior and preventing excessive hoarding.
He added that the ministry continuously monitors cooperatives’ compliance with the issued directives and will not tolerate any violations or laxity in implementing the decision. He pointed out that the current phase requires collective cooperation and responsible conduct, avoiding random purchasing and the spread of information that could cause anxiety among citizens and residents.
The source called on consumers to purchase only their actual needs and to avoid hoarding behaviors. He assured that continued high-volume production and supply guarantee water availability in the markets, and that adherence to the regulations helps maintain stable sales operations and meet everyone’s needs without congestion or artificial shortages.
