“Ministry of State for Cabinet Affairs” Sets Maximum Purchase Limit for Drinking Water at 5 Crates per Person - Sarmad
• Water factory production is ongoing, and supplies are regularly available
The Ministry of Social Affairs 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 and strict adherence to the regulations governing sales operations, given the current circumstances facing the country.
A senior official revealed to Al-Jarida newspaper that the Cooperation Sector at the Ministry, under the direct supervision of Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, has instructed the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies to ensure that all cooperatives do not relax the implementation of the directive. This includes guaranteeing 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 of quantities exceeding actual needs.
He affirmed that the objective of maintaining the directive is to regulate sales operations and ensure fair and regular access to water for all consumers, while preventing 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 quantity 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 pointed out that the Ministry continuously monitors cooperatives’ compliance with issued directives and will not tolerate any violations or laxity in implementing the decision. He added that the current phase requires everyone’s cooperation and responsible conduct, avoiding random purchasing or spreading information that could cause anxiety among citizens and residents.
The source urged consumers to purchase only their actual needs and to avoid hoarding behaviors. He confirmed that continued production and large-scale supply ensure 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.
