Dagestan authorities have called on retailers to curb price increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Speculation during a religious holiday is unacceptable, stated the head of the Dagestan government, calling on municipalities to monitor prices in stores and markets.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," the month of Ramadan began in Dagestan on February 19. Before Ramadan, meat and egg prices rose sharply in Makhachkala. Retailers said the price increases were forced. With the onset of the fast, many food establishments in Makhachkala changed their hours and only opened in the evening. Residents and tourists complained that it has become difficult to find a cafe open during the day. Makhachkala residents reported that food prices rose during the month of Ramadan, both at markets and stores. Against the backdrop of general price increases, cafe and restaurant owners were also forced to raise prices.

The head of the government of Dagestan, Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov, stated today that every year, when people prepare for Uraza Bayram, "some sellers and retail outlets try to profit from increased demand by unreasonably raising prices for food and essential goods," the Dagestan government's Telegram channel quotes him as saying.

According to him, speculating on a religious holiday and the needs of the republic's residents is wrong from a human, moral, or religious standpoint, he emphasized. The government of the Republic of Dagestan, together with regulatory authorities, will closely monitor the price situation in markets, stores, and retail chains. "If we discover instances of unjustified price increases, we will inform our colleagues, including To the Federal Antimonopoly Service and regulatory authorities. I want to emphasize: entrepreneurship in the republic should be built not only on profit, but also on responsibility to society. I call on and warn all entrepreneurs in Dagestan to show respect for their customers, for the traditions of our republic, and for this sacred holiday," the Prime Minister stated.

He also recommended that municipal heads ensure monitoring of the situation in the republic's cities, districts, and villages, the publication states.

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