Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH – Vendors are not complying with the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture banning the sale of firewood on the roadside, Al-Hayat newspaper reported.
Streets leading to parks in Riyadh are full of firewood sellers and they sell at prices that vary from one vendor to another given the absence of any price control.
A number of citizens complained of poor supervision and a lack of price control. Some considered the prices are exaggerated.
Khaled Al-Mohammad, who wanted to purchase a quantity of firewood, said he did not expect to these high prices. "I found myself compelled to buy some wood and ended up paying SR1,600," he said.
Despite the availability of imported firewood, the majority of buyers prefer local wood because of its quality. This has led to high prices for special types of wood. Vendors on the outskirts of Riyadh charge up to SR20 for three pieces while the same quantity of imported wood is sold at less than SR12.
However, despite the low price of imported firewood, many buyers said say preferred the local variety.
Ayed Al-Qarni, who prepares for a trip outside Riyadh, explained local firewood outperforms imported wood in several aspects, but the only disadvantage is the high price.
"Local firewood is expensive, but people still purchase it. The ministry must set measures to control prices," he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture had imposed penalties against vendors of local firewood in the past.
