13:56, 16 May 2019

Social networks discuss Dagestani Muftiate's call to decrease food prices during Ramadan

Believers during a prayer. Photo by Aziz Karimov for the "Caucasian Knot"

Individual entrepreneurs and sellers should not raise food prices during the holy month of Ramadan, state the Muftiate of Dagestan. Residents of the republic confirmed the rise in food prices and called on the authorities to intervene in the situation.

This year, Dagestan and the neighbouring republics of Ingushetia, Chechnya, and Kabardino-Balkaria started the fasting in honour of Ramadan on May 6.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslim believers observe the strict fasting.

Annually, during the days of Ramadan, there is an increase in prices, especially in food prices, reports Abdulla Salimov, the chairman of the Muftiate of Dagestan.

"The Muftiate of Dagestan calls on entrepreneurs to be fair and merciful and, taking into account the possibilities of the population, to adhere to a loyal pricing policy in commerce," wrote Abdulla Salimov on his Instagram message.

Many social network users also complained about a significant increase in the food prices. Most commentators confirmed the relevance of the Muftiate's appeal to entrepreneurs, but doubted its effectiveness.

Earlier, residents of Chechnya reported an increase in prices for selected food products on the eve of the beginning of Ramadan. According to human rights defender Svetlana Gannushkina, the authorities will not benefit from price decrease.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 16, 2019 at 08:20 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.