CAIRO: Despite strict measures taken by the government to curb food prices during the consumer-heavy month of Ramadan, there has been a significant increase in the price of foodstuffs during the first two weeks of the holy month. A study conducted by several consumer protection associations in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) found that the price of rice, macaroni, wheat, sugar, cooking oil, butter, eggs, cheese, meat, sauce and beans increased by varying percentages. Some types of rice, macaroni, wheat, sugar and cooking oil witnessed a slight decrease while the prices of milk, chicken, fish and lentils remained stable. The price of rice ranged between LE 4.30 and LE 5.75 per kilogram, an increase of 7-15 percent, while the price of macaroni surged after stores ended their special Ramadan discounts to reach between LE 1.75 and LE 3.5 per kilogram. Wheat prices increased 4-11 percent to LE 4.5 and LE 5.5 while the price of sugar increased 5-10 percent to between LE 2.95 and LE 3.95. Cooking oil went up 1-9 percent to LE 8.75 and LE 13.25 per liter. The price of eggs increased by 10 percent with a box of eggs now costing LE 23. Butter prices increased to reach LE 18.4-LE 19.75 per container (2 kg). Meat prices increased by 5-15 percent during the holy month as beef prices reached LE 42-63 per kg while lamb meat ranged between LE 39-55 per kg. Researchers noted that prices at cooperatives remained stable. According to Saeed El Alfy, head of the CPA, the agency has received 325 complaints since the beginning of Ramadan and more than 500 complaints against shops were filed at police stations. The government said it has reached agreements with merchants to keep prices stable and that it will monitor the market more closely. Many cooperatives were opened before the start of Ramadan to provide essential goods at relatively low prices, however, consumers complained that prices were not any more affordable than in regular stores, and are sometimes even higher. Citizens who have complaints of rising prices can call 3337 8597.
