Israel's Finance Ministry on Monday raised import quotas on eggs and honey in its latest step to lower living costs and amid a feud with local private sector suppliers, reported Reuters. Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman signed an order for 2022 doubling the amount of fresh eggs that could be imported to 1 billion, and about 10 times the amount of honey, or roughly 2,000 tons.
Imports of eggs and honey will now account for 30% and 40%, respectively, of the local market, the ministry said. Rising prices have stirred anger among Israelis struggling to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a dispute between the government and leading household goods suppliers and importers over who is to blame. The price of eggs and honey in Israel is about 40% higher than the price abroad, the ministry said.