28 May 2017
Shaddad Al Musalmy
Muscat - The current economic crisis in the country may have forced many companies to adopt austerity measures, but it hasn’t really impacted Muslim families in the sultanate. Shoppers were seen thronging supermarkets in Muscat, the weekend just before Ramadan. Most people said no crisis can dissuade them from observing the holy month in all its glory.

“During Ramadan, families gather for iftar and we have to prepare a lot of food. We can’t be bothered about the economic crisis and reduce expenses because the month has its own blessings,” said a shopper Mohsin Rashid who had come with his three children to one of the supermarkets in Muscat. Rashid said he is shopping even though he hasn’t got his salary for the month.

“I am shopping with the little money I am left with. I know I have to feed my family well especially during Ramadan,” he added. Echoing the sentiments of Rashid, Asila al Naamani said elaborate menus are a must. “Food products will always be in demand no matter how the economic situation is. People will buy more foodstuff during Ramadan. We have to be careful while spending but we can’t be stringent as we believe Ramadan is a month of blessings,” said Asila.

Ramadan is also the time to strengthen ties for Muslim families who gather for lavish fares. “During Ramadan, people spend the whole day fasting. We break fast with close relatives and friends. So one has to buy a lot of food items. And so, thinking of reducing expenses during Ramadan is unthinkable. I don’t mind using credit card or borrowing money for Ramadan,” said another citizen Mohammed al Balushi. Muslim families will continue to shop till Eid al Fitr, said Fuad al Farsi.

“A lot of money is also required during Eid which is a big occasion for us. We buy new clothes and have elaborate menus to celebrate. It is difficult to think about saving and cutting expenditure at this time of the year,” said Farsi, who works for a private company. However, a big relief for the people is the assurance by the Public Authority for Consumer protection (PACP) which has said it is monitoring prices of foodstuff in the market during Ramadan.

“We advise people not to be extravagant and make a proper budget for Ramadan. In case of any issue related to price increase, shoppers can call us on our hotline 80079009 to file complaints,” a PACP official said.

© Muscat Daily 2017