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Food prices soar in Egypt as Ramadan approaches

Food prices soar in Egypt as Ramadan approaches

Egypt

Muslims around the world are getting ready for this year’s holy month of fasting. However, in Egypt shoppers in the capital Cairo are complaining of unaffordable prices.

Annually, Muslims in the region stock up on food supplies in preparation for Ramadan. This is done days before the holy month.

“Things are expensive, to be honest. What should those who have children do? Things are expensive – at 126 and 127 Egyptian pounds… what can we buy? what can we buy? What can we afford? A bag of ice? Products should be less expensive, so those who have children can afford to buy them,” said a mother, Fawzya Abdel Sattar.

The prices in the market have increased mainly because of the strong performance of the US dollar.

Nevertheless, “Ahlan Ramadan,” a governmental initiative, is set to provide shoppers with affordable supplies.

“We were completely prepared for the month of Ramadan. Firstly, there was a plan that included that there be strategic reserves for all of the food supplies, of meats, chicken and fish and vegetables and legumes, fruits and even the Ramadan supplies, and we started pumping them in all of the supply outlets and the wholesale markets and the mobile markets, in all of the governorates at prices much more discounted than the market,” said Mahmoud Diab, Egypt’s Supply Ministry spokesman.

The market is open until June 3rd.

“Of course, of course, people look for things that are a penny cheaper. With products being expensive in outside markets, people are looking for what’s cheaper,” said Ilham, one of the shoppers in the market.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it is a month long period when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk abstaining from food, water, sexual activity and other prohibited acts during the day.

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