The Royal Order to increase the fodder subsidy by 50 percent will have a positive impact on efforts to contain the price hikes that have overburdened livestock herders in different regions. Muhammad Sa'eed Al-Ghamdi, a fodder supplier in Al-Baha, said the subsidy was not surprising because the country's “wise leaders are always willing to remove the obstacles facing the citizens.” He expressed his hope that this Royal Order would resolve the barley crisis and called on authorities to intensify monitoring-and-supervisory tours to ensure there is no price-fixing by importers. He wants stiff penalties on violators including banning them in case of repeat violations. Ali Sa'eed said the market received the Royal Order with great satisfaction because it will achieve a balance in the fodder market. He expects the prices of barley to drop to SR30 to SR35 per bag in the next few days, which would reduce prices of livestock before Ramadan. Sulaiman Muhammad expects the price of barley to drop to SR35 per bag. Hamdan and Mubarak Al-Enizi and Salim Al-Bluwi, livestock herders in Tabuk, are calling for tight supervision of the markets and for action to be taken against hoarders. Dr. Yusuf Al-Abdullah Al-Saleem, noted economist, said the Royal Order came at the right time. “With Ramadan approaching fast the subsidy will restore balance and reduce barley prices,” he said. – Muhammad Al-Mufadhili, Sulaiman Al-Nahhabi and Arif Al-Odhailah also contributed to the report. __
