"Affairs": 5 water bottles per person.. Maximum purchase limit in cooperatives
Faisal Matar: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Rural Development has stressed the continuation of the decision limiting the maximum purchase of bottled water to five crates per individual from central markets and branches of cooperative societies, emphasizing the necessity of full compliance with its implementation and strict adherence to the regulations governing sales operations, given the current circumstances facing the country.
A senior source revealed that the Cooperation Sector at the ministry, under the direct supervision of Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amal Al-Huwail, has directed the Federation of Consumer Cooperative Societies to urge all cooperatives to enforce the decision without leniency, ensuring that central markets and branches comply with the regulations governing sales.
The source clarified that the decision remains in effect, and the ministry’s directives are clear on the necessity of preventing bulk purchases, as such behavior is unjustified and may incite panic among consumers, prompting some to rush to buy and stockpile quantities exceeding their actual needs.
He affirmed that the objective of maintaining the decision is to regulate sales operations and ensure that water reaches all consumers fairly and regularly, while preventing individual practices that could disrupt the availability of the product within cooperatives or cause unjustified congestion at sales outlets.
He noted that water factories continue to produce large quantities of bottled water, and supply operations are ongoing to meet the needs of markets and cooperative societies. He stressed that the limit on purchase quantities is not linked to a production shortage, but rather constitutes a regulatory and precautionary measure aimed at controlling purchasing behavior and preventing excessive hoarding, reiterating that all goods are abundant.
The source pointed out that the ministry continuously monitors the cooperatives’ compliance with the issued directives and will not tolerate any violations or delays in implementing the decision. He emphasized that the current phase requires everyone’s cooperation and responsible conduct, avoiding random purchasing or the spread of information that could fuel anxiety among citizens and residents.
The source called on consumers to purchase only their actual needs and to avoid hoarding behaviors, affirming that continued production and supply in large quantities ensure the availability of water in the markets, and that adherence to the regulations helps maintain stability in sales activity and meet everyone’s needs without congestion or artificial shortages.
