Ammon News - The Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday decided to extend an import window of live sheep for an additional three months.

The move is to stabilize lamb meat prices in the local market and ensure an adequate supply of red meats ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, according to a ministry statement.

The statement noted that a recent increase in meat prices in the local market was driven by higher prices in the international market and a 15-20 per cent rise in fodder prices.

Other drivers of the price hike include higher costs of maritime and air shipping, the ministry said, adding that it expects meat prices to stabilize starting next week when live sheep shipments arrive in the Kingdom.