Meat prices up 20% this month

The price of meat has increased by 20 percent this month, according to official sources at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Prices are expected to continue to rise in anticipation of Ramadan, when more meat is consumed as compared to the rest of the year. Sources anticipate a 30 percent increase.

The ministry plans to launch campaigns to address the problem.

Mohamed Fathi Othman, head of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, urged Egyptians to replace red meat with fish to help control the increase in prices.

Local production of fish stands at 1.056 million tons per year, which is sufficient to satisfy the needs of most Egyptians. Additional amounts of fish will be made available during Ramadan, according the sources.

Mohamed el-Shafie, vice president of the Federation of Poultry Producers, said that Egypt suffers a 45 percent shortage of red meat and a 20 percent shortage of poultry.

The price of poultry increases unjustifiably when sold on the market, he added, accusing retailers of manipulating prices.

Translated from the Arabic Edition.