RAMALLAH (Ma’an) – The Palestinian Authority ministry of national economy decided to lower bread prices from 4 to 3.5 shekels per kilo (10 slices). The decision goes into effect Saturday.

Economy minister Hasan Abu Libdah announced the decision Wednesday at a news conference in Ramallah. He said the ministry would introduce a series of procedures during Ramadan to cope with the dire economic conditions.

There will be monthly updates on the price, according to the production costs.

Abu Libdah says his ministry will set prices for 16 more basic food products and 31 subsidiary products. Ministry inspectors will monitor the market and do inspections to make sure merchants comply.

The Palestinian Authority remains unable to pay salaries as the new school year, Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr approach. Officials say there is no end in sight as the PA works to resolve the crisis.