The shortage of Indian mutton in the UAE market is causing problems to those looking for bargain buys in during the Ramadan season.
Customers are being forced to buy expensive mutton imported from Iran, Ethiopia and Somalia to make up for the lack of Indian imports.
"Fresh Indian mutton is a main item in the Iftar menu for many national and expatriate families. The shortage of Indian mutton, which started a month ago, continues. Customers are now forced to buy the costly Iranian, Ethiopian, Somalian and Pakistani mutton," said one meat trader.
Another trader said: "We are selling Iranian fresh mutton at Dh25 to Dh27 per kilogramme.The live Iranian goat is imported to the UAE and slaughter here. A lot of people are now buying the Iranian mutton." And those looking for fresh chicken, which is also popular during the Ramadan season, are also facing difficulty as most of the retail units that sold them were shut down by Dubai Municipality as part of the campaign against bird flu.
"Fresh chicken cannot replace the huge demand for fresh Indian mutton because the most live chicken shops in the city are closed. People have to buy the Somalian, Ethiopian, Australian, Iranian or Pakistani mutton, which is costly," said Abdul Razak of Al Shibhani Meat and Vegetable in Deira.
The price of fruit and vegetable has also risen significantly as Ramadan begins.
"Customers who come for Ramadan shopping have started inquiring about prices in three to four shops before buying meat or vegetables. Since all shops are selling at high price, they will buy from the shop that is selling cheaper," said a trader in Deira.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an integral part of the Ramadan menu. "Fruits and vegetable prices are also high because of the recent war in Lebanon. Lebanese vegetables started coming, but the prices are still high."
By VM Sathish
© Emirates Today 2006
