MPs to Review Strategic Stockpile Bill Again

A Shura-drafted bill on the strategic stockpile of goods will be presented to the Council of Representatives for a second reading next Tuesday, after lawmakers previously referred it back to the concerned committee for further review during the last legislative session.

The bill has now been reintroduced to the agenda following the introduction of minor, non-substantive amendments to its provisions.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the strategic stockpile of essential and important goods in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It seeks to ensure the sustainable availability of these goods, strengthen commodity security, and safeguard the national economy.

The bill aligns with national priorities highlighted by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in his Royal Address, emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with global efforts to improve quality of life, particularly in the field of food security and the development of self-sufficiency solutions.

It also aims to ensure the continuous and sustainable availability of strategic goods that meet the needs of citizens and residents across the Kingdom, contributing to the stability of the local market.

The draft law seeks to enhance commodity security for individuals and protect the national economy by maintaining sufficient and safe quantities of essential strategic goods at all times.

The bill consists of a preamble and 16 articles. Article (1) defines the key terms included in the legislation. Article (2) mandates the Ministry responsible for trade affairs to coordinate with relevant authorities to secure adequate, sustainable, and safe supplies of strategic goods. Article (3) outlines the obligations that suppliers must adhere to, while Article (4) grants the Minister of Industry and Commerce necessary powers during crises, exceptional circumstances, and emergency situations.