Cairo: The Media Center of the Cabinet denied the accuracy of reports about a shortage in subsidized food commodities coinciding with the disbursement of the additional food subsidy grant. In a statement on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Media Center said it had contacted the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, which confirmed that subsidized goods are available as usual and are sufficient to cover the monthly ration allocations, in addition to meeting citizens' needs for the essential goods included in the grant.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the ministry stressed that ample quantities are being supplied to all consumer complex branches, ration shops, and outlets under the 'My Association' (gam'ity) project. The ministry also said the strategic stock of essential commodities at ration outlets is sufficient to meet consumer needs for several months ahead.

The ministry emphasized the intensification of field inspection campaigns and follow-ups by supply directorates to ensure the regular disbursement of goods and outlets' compliance with set prices. Complaint-receiving mechanisms have also been activated for immediate handling, with no tolerance for legal violations, said the ministry.

There is regular monitoring of the grant disbursement mechanisms and regulations, in full coordination with supply directorates and the Holding Company for Food Industries, to ensure smooth distribution without obstacles or delays, it added. It reaffirmed the availability of goods in the required quantities at all distribution points, including ration merchants, 'My Association' outlets, and consumer complexes, guaranteeing that citizens receive their full entitlements without shortages of any item.

The ministry noted that ministerial directives have been issued to extend the operating hours of the ration disbursement system by three additional hours daily, from 9:00 am until midnight instead of 9:00 pm, during March and April 2026. The measure aims to give citizens more time to collect their entitlements and reduce crowding at outlets. Additionally, the replacement disbursement percentage for merchants has been increased to 50 percent instead of 30 percent, effective April 1, 2026. The step enhances the ability of ration outlets to continue to restock goods and prevents shortages due to increased demand.