Stockpile crackdown: MPs weigh jail terms and export bans for suppliers

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A proposed law imposing mandatory strategic stock requirements, jail terms and export bans is set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday — but the government has urged lawmakers to reconsider, arguing that existing legislation already covers its objectives.

The bill, backed by Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, would require suppliers to maintain minimum reserves of essential goods and grant the Trade Minister emergency powers to restrict exports during shortages.

Under the proposal, suppliers must store strategic goods in warehouses that meet approved standards and provide stock data within one week of any ministry request. The ministry would also be authorised to establish electronic links with suppliers to monitor quantities, categories and stock conditions.

In cases of acute shortages under exceptional market conditions, the Trade Minister could impose temporary export bans or restrictions on specific commodities, without prejudice to the Civil Defence law.

The draft law defines several criminal offences, including publishing false or confidential information about strategic stockpiles, submitting fabricated data, colluding to manipulate prices or restrict supply, and suspending production, sale or distribution of strategic goods without official approval.

Breaching supplier obligations could result in up to one year in prison and fines of up to BD5,000, or either penalty. More serious violations would carry a minimum one-year jail term and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD10,000. Courts would also have the power to confiscate or destroy goods, suspend business activities, publish summaries of judgments at the offender’s expense, and revoke licences in repeat cases.

Separately, the bill grants the minister administrative powers to enforce compliance.

In its memorandum, the government said the proposal duplicates existing food-security measures and overlaps with provisions in the Commercial Law regulating public warehouses, as well as technical regulations governing the transport and storage of chilled and frozen foods. It also raised concerns about the drafting of criminal provisions, warning that vague terms such as “safe warehouses” and broadly defined offences related to reporting and collusion could create legal uncertainty.

The bill was referred to the committee in April 2024. After further study requested by the Council in March 2025, the committee returned with an amended report recommending approval in principle.