Prices of most basic commodities have dropped by 25 to 35 per cent, leading traders revealed.

They are even forecasting lower prices in coming days due to a slump in demand by exporting countries. The traders spoke as Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro visited Manama-based Central Market, Ramez and Megamart hypermarkets.

The substantial drop in prices include milk powder, rice, cooking oil, sugar, tea, fruits and vegetables.

Meat supplies at the Manama Central Market were described as sufficient to meet demand. Bahrain Livestock Company director Ibrahim Salman said yesterday's supplies topped 2,545 sheep and 44 cattle.

The price of a box of bananas has dropped substantially to BD3.5 down from BD5 days ago.

Leading traders Ibrahim Al Amir and Ridha Al Bustani also confirmed the price trend for fruits and vegetables due to abundant supplies. The price of tomatoes now ranges from BD1 for small varieties to BD1.800 for the bigger ones.

Traders are even re-exporting surpluses to neighbouring countries.

The price of a 40kg sack of Basmati rice now sells for BD20 to BD22, down from BD27 to BD28.-TradeArabia News Service