Egypt is considering setting up large-scale stores for strategic reserves of basic commodities, including wheat, in seven of its governorates at a cost of up to EGP 21 billion ($1.3 bln), according to the Supply Ministry.

Supply Minister Ali Moselhy said such stores could boost Egypt’s reserves of commodities such as meat, poultry and wheat to cover 8-9 months, from current levels of 4-6 months, state news agency MENA reported.

The ministry was working to meet instructions from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to increase strategic reserves, Moselhy said.

El-Sisi has called for Egypt, the world’s biggest wheat importer, to expand its reserves following the outbreak of the new coronavirus, leading Moselhy to announce the unusual step of importing wheat during the local harvest.