Erbil market prices rise before Id

05/11/2011 11:49
Erbil, Nov. 5 (AKnews) - Erbil residents are complain about surging prices before the Id al-Dhaha (Nov. 6-10) although an official stresses the markets are regularly monitored against pricing violations.

Lamya Rahman, 34, was shopping in Erbil Qaysari market. She told AKnews the prices have been raised for a week.

"Three days ago one kilo of chicken was 3,500 Iraqi Dinar (almost US$3) but now it is raised to 4,500 ID (approx $4)," she said, in the same time one kilo of turkey rose from $10 to $12.50 and a kilo of lamb from $12 to $14.

Mustafa Shamal from Tayrawa said 10 days ago he bought a son a pair of trousers for $10 but two days ago the same brand trouser for his younger son cost him $14.

"I believe the shopkeepers raise the prices at will," he said.

Fuad Samad who also shops in Tayrawa market said people are concerned the relevant government bodies do not monitor the market.

"The media says shops have been penalized for overcharging but we don't know how true this is," Samad said. He wondered if this actually happens "then why don't they show it on TV to intimidate the rest of the shopkeepers?"

Mohammed Abbas, trade audit chief in Erbil, told AKnews the teams of his office survey the markets regularly to ensure that the prices are not increased.

"We will penalize any violation depending on its kind and at once," he said.

The shopkeepers are required to show price tags so that customers are aware of the prices set by the teams. Those who violate the regulation are meant to be fined.

Yet, there are tens of shops which do not comply with the regulation.

Shamal Nuri, an economics expert, blamed the weak market survey for the inflation.

"Our businessmen and shopkeepers have misinterpreted free marketing; they think they should stuff the market with expired, low quality items which are sold at whaterver prices they wish."

Reported by Fryad Mohammed

LH/JS/AKnews