Syrian government official: flour available in sufficient quantities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A government official in Damascus announced on Wednesday that there are sufficient quantities of flour to cover all bakeries in Syria, contrary to statements made by Prime Minister Hussein Arnous.
On Monday, Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous said that the amount of wheat purchased from the country’s farms is only sufficient for a month and a half for bread production.
Arnous said that during the current year, 960,000 tons of wheat were purchased, 300,000 tons of which were purchased in Hasakah.
Youssef Qassem, Director General of the Syrian Foundation for Grains, said on Wednesday that there are sufficient quantities of flour to cover the needs of all bakeries and meet their production capacity.
He added in a press release that the production capacity of the mills has been raised, as all mills were confirmed to have the flour extracted from wheat at the best specifications and quality.
Areas held by the Syrian government have witnessed long queues at the gates of public and private bakeries to obtain bread.
About a month ago, the Syrian government issued a decision stipulating the distribution of bread via a smart card, and determined the share of bread for each family with the aim of reducing gatherings in front of the bakeries.
However, photos circulated of huge gatherings in front of bakeries, in the absence of preventative measures.