Iraqis Complain of High Meat Prices as Ramadan Approaches
(AWP) - Iraqi markets have recently seen a jump in meat prices with demand increasing a few days ahead of Ramadan, the holy month during which household meat consumption typically rises.
Iraqi citizens said that the price of a kilogram of meat ranged between 16,000 and 17,000 dinars around a month ago but has now risen to nearly 22,000 dinars.
In light of this price hike, calls have emerged on social media to boycott meat or reduce consumption.
In one of the markets in al-Ghadir district in Baghdad, Iraqi citizen Mohamed Hussein said that although everyone is affected by the increase, the most vulnerable segment are people on low income.
He added, “Citizens should reduce their meat purchases to show solidarity with the low-income category. I haven’t bought meat for a week since the calls started on Facebook, and I commented that I have refrained from buying meat.”
However, butchers like Amer Yayha claim that the price has increased from the source.
Yahya said “There are several reasons for the high prices of meat. First, the price increase is from the exporters. They sell us one kilogram for 21,000 Iraqi dinars (roughly $160) in addition to transport costs and transit through security checkpoints. Syrian meat prices are also high.”
Mohamed Hanoun, the official spokesman for the Iraqi Trade Ministry, confirmed that security agencies and state institutions are involved in solving the crisis and trying to address the situation in the local markets, particularly after the rise in meat prices.
“I believe a solution will be reached during the coming days through measures against violators and by entering the local markets in Baghdad as a competitor,” he added.
He referred to “a supervisory effort from the trade ministry and the security agencies to monitor violators and refer them to court on charges of monopoly and price manipulation.”