Sheep Prices Skyrocket Ahead of Eid

Dec 16, 2007 Kuwait Times.
KUWAIT: The price of livestock, particularly sheep, has jumped as Eid Al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice) approaches. At the sheep market in Shuwaikh, the price of one live sheep ranges jumped to KD 40 to KD 75 compared with KD 25 to KD 50 last year.


In some butcher shops, sheep are classified according to their origin. Arabian sheep cost around KD 50 to KD 75 and Muhajan sheep (a mixed breed of Arabian and Australian sheep) can cost up to KD 40.
Sheep prices skyrocket ahead of Eid
Prices of livestock generally increase during the holidays as consumers rush to snag prize sheep for their celebrations. "The price really has increased this year," said Nur Amin, a Bangladeshi attendant at the sheep market. Amin noted that despite the jump in prices, sales continue to rise almost every day as Eid fast approaches. "Yesterday I had about 75 sheep, but now we only have 25 sheep left," Amin added.

Prices of whole, live sheep are generally cheaper compared to the retail meat price of already slaughtered sheep sold by meat shops and supermarkets. But many consumers prefer buying fresh sheep since Eid Al-Adha encourages giving and sharing with others. "We were specifically ordered to share our blessings with others, so we're buying a whole sheep to share it with our neighbors or any needy individuals," said a customer who bought three live sheep from the market in Shuwaikh.

Last year, a kilogram of lamb was KD 1.5, but today a kilo is KD 2. "The price increase is just the law of supply and demand at work. Since the demand of the sheep for sacrifice has increased and as the prices of all general commodities have increased, it was expected that we would increase our prices as well," explained one meat shop owner.

Eid Al-Adha lasts four days and is intended to celebrate the willingness of the Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. It begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is also tied to the annual hajj (or pilgrimage) to Mecca, as the first day of Eid Al-Adha comes when Muslim pilgrims descend from Mount Arafat. Along with praying and fasting, Muslims typically visit their family and friends during the holiday.



Kuwait Times