Food prices in Bahrain's stores and markets are reasonable, said a senior government official, adding that the issue was being taken seriously to ensure they stayed in line with acceptable rates.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said he and the ministry's seven inspectors were checking prices from 5am daily to ensure there were no violations.

"In the end, we have to explain that there are variations in some prices within villages which sell goods a bit extra and that is because of transportation costs," he said.

"People can always contact our ministry's 24-hour hotline and we will take necessary action against merchants breaching market ethics."

Dr Fakhro was responding to questions by MPs Abdulla Bin Howail and Ali Al Zayed on the ministry's efforts to combat unreasonable pricing of goods in the market. – TradeArabia News Service