Mosul:Local markets in Mosul are grappling with significant challenges as price discrepancies for food and consumer goods persist. These variations have prompted calls for stronger government oversight and the establishment of clear pricing mechanisms, as commodities are sold at differing prices across neighborhoods and commercial markets, exacerbating the financial burden on citizens.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, citizen Mohammed Waleed expressed concerns over noticeable price differences in everyday items. He noted that the cost of bread varies, with eight loaves selling for 1,000 dinars in some areas, while ten loaves are available for the same price in others. Additionally, the price of a tray of eggs in the Al-Zuhour area reaches 7,500 dinars, compared to 6,000 to 6,250 dinars in other markets and malls.
Umm Abdullah, a resident of Old Mosul, highlighted that price increases have also affected meat, which now costs between 20,000 and 21,000 dinars per kilogram. She pointed out that sugar is priced between 1,750 and 2,000 dinars per kilogram, and a bottle of oil has reached 3,500 dinars. Abdullah noted that some families are considering shopping in the Kurdistan Region to cut costs.
In response to these issues, Nineveh Governor Abdul Qadir Al-Dakhil announced the formation of monitoring teams to oversee food prices and identify violations. He stated that fines and legal actions would be implemented against those manipulating prices, with efforts to reduce exploitation and unify prices.
Dr. Zakaria Al-Hayali, an economic specialist at the University of Mosul, emphasized that while the rising dollar exchange rate may impact import costs, it does not justify the unjustified price increases. He called for monitoring the preparation and sale stages and the clear announcement of basic material prices.
These developments underscore the need for ongoing market oversight to protect consumers and maintain the purchasing power of families, particularly those with limited incomes.
Source National Iraqi News Agency