What does Ramadan mean economically for Egyptian homes?

A shocking statement by the Assistant to the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Mr. Ibrahim Ashmawy stated that Egyptians consume double the amount of food they usually consume during Ramadan.

He stated that in numbers, this amounts to EGP120 million in just one month.

During Ramadan, Egyptian families gather around the table at the sunset to break their fast together, making food a great part of this holy month.

However, this Ramadan, Egyptians are worried due to the hike in food prices that has been going on due to the devaluation of the Egyptian pound.

Since the beginning of the year, the government took a few steps to try to alleviate this burden on Egyptian homes during Ramadan. These steps included launching the “Ahlan Ramadan” markets that started in January and will last till the end of April (end of Ramadan). 

These markets offer discounted food and household items, with discounts ranging from 20 to 50%. These include meat, poultry, grains, fruits, vegetables and dates, dried fruits, and nuts.

The government also announced earlier this month that it signed a deal with farms in Chad to export to Egypt fresh meat since now the kilogram of meat in Egypt has surpassed the EGP300 mark.

Egyptians may have to practice strict budgeting this Ramadan and mitigate food waste, in order to enjoy the culinary wonders of the month without breaking the bank.