Egyptians are flocking to discounted Ahlan Ramadan markets that opened nearly three months before the Muslim holy month, as the government attempts to relieve pressures caused by record-high food prices.
According to Egypt’s supply ministry, the Ahlan Ramadan scheme, which offers basic commodities at lower prices than in stores, will run from January to the end of April.
Ahlan Ramadan usually only lasts about three weeks before Ramadan as families stock up on food for meals in between fasts. This year, Ramadan begins in late March.
Several vendors across the country offer discounts of 25-30% on products such as flour, meat, and pasta during Ramadan markets.
In recent months, accelerating inflation caused by currency depreciation and a severe dollar shortage has eroded the purchasing power of Egyptians who have already been subjected to repeated economic shocks.