By: Soodh
It was fun going to the market in Ramazan. First day of Ramazan what we Maldivians call Mularoadha dhuvas, local vegetable and fish markets were packed with people. Supermarkets and groceries were also packed. Unlike in the past, there are lot of young people among them couples who go shopping to buy their best choice of fruits vegetables and other food items. Markets and shops are flooded with varieties of food items and other goods.
I went to the local market yesterday and saw lots of people buying their freshest Ramazan food requirements. Fruits were in greatest demand while vegetable sales were also record high on this first day of Ramazan. The new market just opened from the reclaimed lagoon adjoining the fish market was specially allocated to locally grown water melons. Naturally the largest number and most varieties of melons were from Thoddoo who has won President's prestigious award for their outstanding success in water melon cultivation. Water melon which is one of the most popular fruits in Ramazan was selling fast. Thoddoo has grown very delicious and large melons. It was a relief to buyers that price of water melon remained reasonable, Rf 10 a kilo. There were a good supply of water melons, therefore price is expected to remain reasonable.
However, price of other fruits and vegetables are soaring. Ramazan shoppers were very concerned that prices of fruits, vegetables, food items and fish have increased by many fold. " Its very sad that prices of fruits vegetables and food items is so high in this Holy month of Ramazan. Prices are going up every day. Prices of food items are much higher this Ramazan than the previous one. Its surprising why this is happening. Government says most of the essential food items will be available at a reasonable price. Its good and STO is also helping to supply some most commonly used items at a reasonable price. But most of the others sold at the market and shops are very costly. Some retailers are buying large stocks of these items from STO and Mifco and even other shops, and are selling them at very high prices. This is very unethical and against the great spirit of Islam and Ramazan" said Ismail who was buying fruits from the market.
Ismail's concern is shared by many others who are disappointed over the escalating prices in the market. " Fasting month is always considered a prosperous month when food items are available abundantly and at a reasonable price. But it is not happening these days. Shop owners want to make a very fast profit. It is extreme profiteering. And it is very wrong in the month of Ramazan" said Ali. But some do not agree with Ali saying that demand has risen so much with an exploding population in Male'. Supplies are not enough, especially locally grown and prepared food items are not enough. That is why they are so expensive. There are more than 120,000 mouths to feed in Male' and that means a lot of food is required. Besides, many resorts and other islands buy these food requirements from Male'. So its good business for shops, some of them making 100 - 200 percent profit from some items.
Many islands in the atolls are experiencing the price hike of essential and other commodities. " Its very difficult. Prices of food items and others are soaring beyond the reach of the ordinary. We are going to have a very difficult and expensive time" Zahir a young man from a northern atoll told.
There is a more serious concern expressed by many. They say the larger majority of the people are earning a minimum income, ranging from Rf 1000 to 2000. They have to provide all means to their families from a small income. So everyone who produces something to sell make sure that he gets a good price. They know they can sell their goods and make a good income.
Whatever it is, during most Ramazans price of food and other commodities have been more expensive than in other times of the year. This Ramazan, prices are even higher that many households have decided to reduce some preparations for the dinner table. While the spiritual blessings of Ramazan is the hallmark of the month, quick business profits come as a windfall for many. Controlling prices is not the solution in an open market economy. But concerned authorities must think about this growing problem that is making living very difficult and expensive not only for the lower or middle income classes but entire society.
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