Ahead of Ramadan's arrival, a new wave of inflation, dates and meat prices touch the sky

With the arrival of Ramadan just a few days away, the specter of inflation has once again reared its head in the markets of Kashmir Valley. In particular, there has been an unprecedented surge in the prices of dates, meat, and other essential commodities, leaving ordinary consumers in a state of distress. The public has demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir government and district administration take immediate and stringent action against unscrupulous profiteers, so that people do not face any difficulties during the holy month.

Every year, before Ramadan, the demand for dates increases, but the rapid surge in prices this time has caused concern among the public. In various markets of Srinagar city, date prices have risen by 30 to 50 percent compared to last year. The price of ordinary quality dates, which were being sold for Rs 250 to 300 per kilogram last year, has now reached Rs 350 to 450, while high-quality Iranian and Saudi dates are being sold for Rs 700 to 1,200 per kilogram.

A shopkeeper in Srinagar, on condition of anonymity, said, "The demand is very high and the supply is low, which is why prices are rising, but we try to provide things to consumers at a reasonable rate." However, contrary to the shopkeeper's claim, consumers say that many sellers are increasing prices arbitrarily and indulging in profiteering in the name of Ramadan.

Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Lal Chowk and a government employee, said, "Every year, before Ramadan, prices rise, but this time the situation seems to be getting out of hand. Not only dates, but also samosas, gram flour, oil, and even meat prices are skyrocketing. The government should send monitoring teams to the markets immediately."

Similarly, Rabia Jan, a housewife from Soura, said, "The monthly budget of the household is already affected, and now the uncontrolled inflation in the markets has added to the woes. The administration should at least consider the sanctity of the holy month and impose heavy fines on profiteers."

Meat prices have also risen abnormally in recent days. Although the official rate is fixed at Rs 700 per kilogram, there are complaints of meat being sold for Rs 750 per kilogram in many areas of the city. Citizens say that butchers often ignore government orders and loot consumers by charging arbitrary prices.

Faisal Nabi, a young student from Hazratbal, told UNI, "We are students, we have limited expenses. The prices of the things we need for fasting are rising the most. The administration only makes statements, but no action is visible on the ground."

The public has termed the situation as highly alarming and demanded that the district administration launch a large-scale market checking campaign, display rate lists at every shop, and take immediate action against violators.

According to UNI, in some areas, vegetable prices are also rising, and rice, oil, fruits, and other essential items are becoming out of reach for the common man. Consumers say that if the situation continues, it will be difficult for the middle and lower classes to manage their household budgets during Ramadan.

The public has demanded that the government ensure special rate monitoring cells, regular field inspections, and strict legal action to maintain the sanctity of Ramadan and alleviate the sufferings of the people, so that the holy month can be observed with ease and comfort.

The public says that every year, thousands of tons of dates arrive in Kashmir before Ramadan, but there is no guarantee that they meet international quality standards. People have emphasized that there can be no compromise on food items, especially those with religious significance.

Zahoor Ahmed Tramboo, a well-known date trader in Srinagar, told UNI that the interference of non-serious elements in the purchase and sale of dates is becoming alarming. According to him, in recent years, many individuals have emerged on social media who, despite being associated with other professions, start selling dates during Ramadan.

He said, "It's surprising that people who are engaged in other professions throughout the year start date business during Ramadan. Unemployment is one thing, but not everyone can enter the sensitive food business." Zahoor Tramboo alleged that some influencers on Facebook and Instagram mislead consumers through exaggeration and false propaganda.

He said, "Influencers make big claims, but there is little truth on the ground. Many people claim to sell dates that are not even available in Kashmir." He specifically mentioned a popular variety of dates from Madinah, which is found only in specific orchards and is not regularly exported to Kashmir. Despite this, some shopkeepers deceive people in the name of this date.

Zahoor Ahmed Tramboo demanded that the Food Safety Department conduct strict sampling of date shops and individuals selling on social media to prevent people's health from being compromised. He also appealed to the public to buy only from registered and reputable traders.

The public has demanded that the government take strict action against inflation, profiteering, sale of fake items, and substandard dates during the holy month of Ramadan, so that consumers can shop with ease and not fall prey to deception.