In the United Arab Emirates, the rise in poultry prices just before Ramadan goes badly

A fresh food market in Dubai, on March 21, 2023 just before Ramadan. © KARIM SAHIB / AFP

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1 min

This Thursday, March 23, begins the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. A month in which food consumption is paradoxically higher. Given the global context, the faithful will be affected this year by inflation on commodities, as in the United Arab Emirates.

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With our correspondent in Dubai, Nicolas Keraudren

UAE authorities last week approved a 13 percent hike in the price of eggs and poultry. It is a decision that has not failed to react to the United Arab Emirates.

For some citizens and residents of the country, the increase in the price of these two very popular products is an "incomprehensible" measure. It was validated by the Ministry of Economy only a few days before the start of Ramadan. For others, on the contrary, it is "justified". This month is traditionally a period of high consumption.

Temporary measure, according to the authorities

In this country where almost 90% of food is imported, eggs and poultry are often produced locally. But the price of materials used for their production, such as seeds, as well as their shipment, have increased, especially because of the war in Ukraine. What prompted retailers to ask for this increase.

In any case, this measure should be cancelled or modified within six months, the authorities say. At least, if the justifications that allowed this increase are no longer relevant.

► Read also: Report - Tunisia: preparations for the month of Ramadan under high economic tension

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• United Arab Emirates
• consumption
• Economy