Ramadan price hikes: A struggle between faith, fairness, & profit

While consumers accuse vendors of stockpiling goods to inflate prices, importers and vendors defend themselves, citing high import taxes and rising costs.

This annual tug-of-war over affordability and profit leaves many struggling to put food on the table during a period meant for unity and compassion. The Point Newspaper spoke with market vendors, shop owners, and consumers to understand both sides of the debate.

For many, Ramadan is a time of sacrifice and giving, but for some vendors, consumers argue, it becomes an opportunity for exploitation.

Fanta Leigh, a concerned shopper, expressed her frustration: “It’s the same story every year. They know we need these items, so they jack up the prices. It’s not fair.”

Her sentiment is echoed by many who feel the weight of rising food costs, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, and dates.

Bintou Camara, another consumer, accused vendors of intentionally stockpiling goods ahead of Ramadan to create artificial shortages. “They buy these items months before, store them, and then sell them at double the price when Ramadan is near,” she lamented. She also emphasised that the essence of Ramadan-mercy and compassion-is lost when businesses prioritise profits over people’s well-being.

Omar Camara, another shopper, urged authorities to intervene: “The government needs to step in and do something. We can’t let vendors exploit us during a time of religious observance.”

While many consumers point fingers at vendors, some argue that the real issue lies with government policies.

Mariama Sanneh believes that the vendors are not entirely at fault: “These traders also buy goods from outside, and importing them is expensive due to high taxes. The government should reduce taxes so that we, the consumers, can buy at a fair price.”

On the other hand, vendors strongly reject accusations of profiteering. They insist that import costs, taxes, and market fluctuations dictate the prices, not greed.

Ali Njie, a vendor at Latrikunda Market, explained: “We have to pay a lot of money to get these goods from the port. We can’t just absorb those costs.”

Amadou Jallow, another vendor also defended his position: “Consumers blame us, but we are not the problem. We pay thousands of dalasis just to get our goods. We can’t sell at a loss. If anything, the frustration should be directed at the government, not at us.”

Some vendors claim that major importers are responsible for the artificial price hikes, as they allegedly hoard essential goods to create shortages and drive up prices.

Sheikh Omar Jeng, a vendor at Serrekunda Market, exposed this practice: “Most of the items people need for Ramadan are hidden by importers. They do this because they know the demand is high, and it gives them the power to raise prices. This is unfair to both us vendors and the consumers.”

He called on the government to regulate this practice and ensure fair distribution of goods during Ramadan.

Some vendors believe that the government should introduce price regulations during Ramadan, ensuring that essential commodities remain accessible. Others suggest reducing import taxes to relieve the financial burden on vendors and, ultimately, consumers.