As Ramadan begins, homes across Kashmir ready themselves for a month of fasting, prayers and community gatherings. The atmosphere shifts palpably as markets swell with activity, traders anticipate increased demand, and families plan meals that balance both tradition and necessity. Markets in Kashmir are no strangers to fluctuating prices, but the lead-up to Ramadan tends to magnify these shifts. Staples such as fruits, vegetables and mutton witness sharp increases in cost, with vendors citing heightened demand and supply chain disruptions as justification. Mutton, an essential component of many dishes, is particularly affected, with prices exceeding what many households can comfortably afford. Fruits like banana, highly sought after for iftar and sehri, follow a similar trajectory, making it increasingly difficult for lower-income families to purchase the items. Though local trade groups insist that stockpiles remain sufficient and shipments continue to arrive from other regions, the disconnect between supply and accessibility remains stark. Interestingly, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer has said the Valley has sufficient stock to meet the growing demand. He has stated that every day, around 5,000 to 6,000 fruit boxes arrive in Kashmir, with each vehicle carrying 400 to 500 boxes. As temperatures rise, the demand for fruits like watermelons and melons, particularly during Ramadan, is expected to increase, along with supply from outside the region. “Vegetables are also available in good quantities, and prices are expected to remain stable. Even if adverse weather disrupts highway connectivity, existing stock is sufficient to keep markets running,” he said as per media reports. Despite official assurances, structural market inefficiencies persist. Traders and retailers often dictate prices with little oversight, exploiting the seasonal surge in demand. Hoarding and speculative pricing, though widely acknowledged, remain difficult to regulate effectively. Authorities, including food and safety officials, have intensified monitoring efforts, conducting inspections and issuing warnings against unfair practices. However, these interventions are seldom enough to counteract deep-rooted tendencies towards profiteering. Lax penalties and inconsistent enforcement mean that even when irregularities are identified, they rarely result in meaningful consequences. For households, the response to rising costs varies. Some plan meticulously, purchasing non-perishable essentials in advance or in bulk. Others alter consumption patterns, choosing alternative ingredients or reducing portions of costlier items. The government’s responsibility in this scenario extends beyond mere price monitoring. More structured interventions—such as enforcing price ceilings on key goods, offering transport subsidies to lower distribution costs, or establishing transparent consumer grievance mechanisms—could provide much-needed relief. Without decisive action, the annual cycle of inflation during Ramadan is unlikely to break, leaving families to navigate the same pressures year after year. Ramadan’s deeper essence lies in reflection, patience, and shared responsibility. While markets bustle with the sights and sounds of seasonal trade, the true success of preparations will be measured not in abundance alone but in fairness. Whether this Ramadan brings genuine relief to consumers will depend on whether those in charge see regulation not as an administrative formality but as a duty to the public.
Ramadan Economy
