As Ramadan approaches, soaring onion and pepper prices raise alarms among citizens and market experts alike.
In Morocco, the wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables have recently experienced a significant spike in prices, particularly for onions and peppers. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the price of onions has surged to 10 dirhams per kilogram, while peppers have reached an astonishing 20 dirhams per kilogram.
This price increase has sparked frustration among citizens, as Ramadan typically sees a rise in the consumption of these staple foods.
Abd al-Razzaq al-Shabi, the head of the Collective of Wholesale Vegetable and Fruit Market in Casablanca, confirmed that the current wave of price hikes is affecting all types of vegetables, including onions and sweet peppers. He noted that during Ramadan, the wholesale price of onions fluctuates between 8 to 10 dirhams per kilogram. Al-Shabi attributed the price increase to excessive exports, stating, "The export season for crops begins in September, including onions, which are exported in large quantities to African markets." He emphasized that the primary challenge facing the local market is to achieve a balance between meeting domestic demand and managing export levels.
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