Chechen residents report sharp rise in food prices on the eve of 'Id al-Fitr (Uraza-Bayram)

Foodstuffs in Chechen marketplaces have become much more expensive on the eve of the completion of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, as local residents told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. According to their stories, the prices rose for the most popular products.

The 'Id al-Fitr is the holiday that concludes the month of Ramadan (Ramazan), when Muslims keep a strict fasting: they do not eat and drink from dawn to dusk. However, during the final days of this month they lay banquet tables, receive visitors and relatives and make return visits. It is expected that wealthy Muslims will help their poor fellow countrymen. In 2014, in Chechnya, the first day of 'Id al-Fitr will be July 28.

In Muslim countries, at the end of Ramadan, they traditionally decrease prices for all kinds of goods; however, in Chechnya everything is exactly the opposite, said Khazman Kh., a resident of Chechnya.

The woman has added: "For some reason, neither our theologians, nor our leaders, who constantly exhibit their religiosity, fail to pay attention to such things. One needs to be a Muslim not only in words, but also in deeds and actions. Unfortunately, many of them lack it."

Entrepreneurs say that prices were lifted by wholesalers; and retailers are forced to sell food products more expensive, in order not to remain at a loss.