The Ministry of Business and Trade has announced price controls for more than 250 goods – foodstuffs and otherwise – ahead of Ramadan.

Mandatory price reductions come into effect on July 15, while the month of fasting is expected to begin on August 1.

Although the full list has not been released yet, the Peninsula newspaper reports:

Major food items included in the list are edible oil, (flour), fish and poultry products, milk, frozen vegetables, pastries and juices. Non-food items include foil paper, tissue paper and several hygiene products.

The newspaper also points out that 267 controlled commodities is substantively greater than the 156 items that had price freezes last year.

Prices are supposed to remain reduced through the end of the Muslim holy month.