Eid Al Adha: Price of sheep double despite sizable supply

Supplied photo

With just a few days left for Eid Al Adha, the cattle market in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is seeing an unreasonable hike in prices. A local sheep which used to cost about Dh750, now costs anywhere between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000.
Residents have urged authorities to control the prices as there is no acceptable reason for the hike with enough animals available in the market.
The prices also vary depending on the breed of the animal. "Though the price of sheep range from Dh1,500 to Dh2,000, Al Nuaimi sheep are the most expensive," said Raza Qasim, a trader at the Ras Al Khaimah cattle market.
"We are in the season and all types of cattle are offered," said Mohammed Akbar, a cattle trader. "The prices mostly shoot up due to the increase in demand."
Ibrahim Sulaiman, a cattle trader, said the price of sheep is determined by the type and weight. "However, local sheep is in more demand and they weigh up to 20kg."
Malik Zaman, a cattle trader said the prices in RAK are the lowest compared to markets in other emirates. He added that the high cost of breeding local goats and their better taste make them the most favoured.
Hussain Afzal, another cattle trader, blames the hike in prices on the exporter and not traders who make very little money. "If the sheep is already costly, what can we do to make a little profit? We have to add marginal profit at least, and hence the price becomes higher."
Ismael Fazil, a cattle trader, said most customers prefer big-sized sheep for sacrifice. "We have no problem with that as we have sheep that weigh 20kg to 25kg in addition to Al Nuaimi and Saudi sheep which are known for their big size."
Rahim Zaki, a customer said there is no problem in the availability of sheep in the market. "But, there is always a pressing demand during these days.
"But, why do traders unreasonably increase prices on these days?" asks Ali Salem, a customer. "I am sure it is all about making more money."
Khalid Sarhan, another customer said offers sheep as sacrifice at every feast. "But, this time the prices are too high. I normally pay Dh750 to Dh1,000, but a good sheep now costs Dh1,500 to Dh 2,000."
An informed source at the Ministry of Economy said the market is under strict surveillance, and any unreasonable hike in price shall be stringently dealt with.
"The amount available in the market is enough for local consumption, and more inspectors will be deployed at all local markets before and during the days of Eid Al Adha."
Munzir bin Shukr Al Zaabi, director-general of the RAK municipality, said all slaughterhouses in the emirate are geared up for the rush. "The central abattoir in Filya, as well as the RAK abattoir, shall remain open until the third day of the feast."
Competent vets, butchers and experts will be available to thoroughly oversee slaughtering before, during and after the process to ensure that the meat is free from any contagious diseases," he added.
He added that a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 shall be slapped against illegal slaughtering of sacrificed animals. "Such malpractices, mostly done by unlicensed street butchers, pose a grave risk to the standards of public health and environment."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com