Manama: The Manama Meat Market is facing a problem with rising prices of mutton. Another Malayalee wholesaler agreed to supply mutton at a reasonable price.
With the start of Ramadan, two wholesalers who supply meat to the market unjustly increased their prices, prompting protests from traders. In recent days, traders have boycotted the purchase of meat. Before the start of Ramadan, the price of mutton was 2.200 dinars a day, up from 2.850 dinars yesterday. Due to the increase in prices, people were reluctant to buy meat and traders could not sell it even till evening.
In the wake of the crisis, Manama Central Market Malayalee Association general secretary Ashkar Poozhithala took the initiative to convene a meeting of traders at Mutton Market yesterday. He agreed to give the meat at a fair price on the basis of contacting Mohammad Rafi, a Malayalee who had earlier supplied meat to the market.
He said he would pay Rs 2.550 per kg. The price offered here will also change as the price in the foreign market changes. Mohammed Rafi said the meat would be served from Saturday or Sunday. The mutton is mainly imported from Kenya. The traders have agreed to retail mutton for 2.550 dinars for 2,800 dinars.
There are more than 200 meat stalls in Manama Central Market. Most of these belong to Malayalees. There are three or four workers working in a stall.