Derik: Meat Prices Remain High Despite Dollar Decline

Welat TV – Erbil

Meat has become a rare commodity on many dining tables in cities and towns across Syrian Kurdistan, much like other essential food items. This is largely due to the ongoing economic crisis and the region’s worsening financial conditions.

In the city of Derik, the rising cost of red meat has become a significant burden on residents. While butchers claim that prices have been steadily decreasing, many people still struggle to afford it.

Price Discrepancy Issue

The price of one kilogram of lamb in Dirk ranges between 100,000 and 120,000 Syrian pounds—an amount beyond the means of most families, preventing them from purchasing and consuming meat.

Calls for Price Regulation

Despite the depreciation of the US dollar against the Syrian pound, meat prices have remained unchanged. Frustrated residents are calling for stricter price controls and intensified market inspections.

Seasonal Factors Contradict Price Stability

Nahiyat Hassan, a local resident, told Welat TV: "Everyone knows this has been a year of drought, and with the lack of rainfall, livestock prices should have decreased. Additionally, the dollar exchange rate has dropped by almost half, yet meat prices remain the same. We urge the authorities to take action."

Butchers: "Prices Are Reasonable"

However, butchers argue that meat prices have already dropped significantly. Youssef Sefo, a butcher in the city’s market, told Welat TV: "Prices have come down compared to before. We used to sell minced meat for 150,000 Syrian pounds per kilogram, whereas now it doesn’t exceed 120,000."

A Declining Livestock Market

Livestock traders are also feeling the strain, citing rising feed prices as a major challenge that has slowed down buying and selling activities. Mohammed Rashid, a sheep trader, explained: "Market activity is poor—buying and selling are minimal. We’re selling at a loss, and the high cost of feed is only making matters worse. Butchers buy from us at 60,000 per kilo and sell it for twice that. We can only hope for relief."

Despite these challenges, meat prices in Dirk remain unchanged. Many residents are hoping for economic relief, but so far, the Autonomous Administration has yet to take concrete and effective measures.