In eastern Aleppo's city of al-Bab, the produce market is experiencing fluctuations in the prices of vegetables and fruits, with notable daily changes. For example, the cost of a single type of produce can escalate from five to 20 Turkish lira overnight. Shop owners have linked these price variations to the import of goods from Turkey or smuggling from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian regime territories, coupled with the dominance of certain traders. This scenario has adversely impacted local farmers, leading to financial losses.
Consumers, positioned at the end of the supply chain, have expressed their discontent, calling for the introduction of effective monitoring mechanisms to stabilize produce prices. The price instability has compelled residents to purchase smaller quantities of produce, affecting their daily consumption patterns. For instance, Raslan, a resident, now buys vegetables and fruits in reduced amounts, adjusting his purchasing frequency to cope with the price fluctuations. The current prices, he notes, are inconsistent with his daily earnings.
The influx of Turkish goods into the market has been identified as a significant factor contributing to price instability, particularly affecting local farmers. The disparity in production costs between local and Turkish goods has led to competitive pricing challenges. In response to these challenges, some farmers have opted not to cultivate their lands, citing recurrent financial losses during harvest seasons.
To address the issue of price setting, the supply department in al-Bab is considering the implementation of a pricing strategy through the central al-Hal market, which involves setting a "reasonable" profit margin and announcing selling prices on the department's Facebook page. This initiative aims to regulate the market and ensure compliance among shop owners, with penalties in place for those who fail to adhere to the set prices.
The central al-Hal market plays a crucial role in the distribution of produce, with daily entries ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 tons. This system facilitates the movement of goods from Turkish suppliers to local vendors for retail sale, highlighting the interconnectedness of the regional produce market.
Source: EB