PANAJI
With Goa preparing to celebrate Christmas, markets in the State are bustling with last-minute shoppers preparing for the holiday festivities. However, many are taken aback by the sharp rise in the prices of essential food items, particularly meats, which traditionally see an annual spike during this time of year.
This year, the cost of popular meats like chicken, beef, mutton, and pork has gone up significantly. Beef prices have risen from Rs 440 per kilogram a few weeks ago to nearly Rs 480 to Rs 500. Pork now costs between Rs 450 and Rs 500 per kilogram, up from Rs 420. Mutton, which is in high demand during the holidays, is priced between Rs 800 and Rs 850 per kilogram, while chicken is being sold at Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kilogram at wholesale halal markets.
Afzal Sheikh, a mutton vendor in Panaji, explained that the price hike is due to high demand and limited availability. "This happens every year during the festive season. The prices rise because more people want meat for their celebrations," he said.
Similarly, Munna, a vendor selling halal chicken in Panaji Market, confirmed that the price fluctuations are typical but noted that the prices are higher than usual this year due to increased demand during the Christmas period.
Customers are feeling the pinch. Martha Vaz, a shopper from Britona, expressed her frustration, saying, "This happens every year. It seems intentional because the prices always go up around Christmas. It's unfair, but we have no choice if we want to celebrate."
Sofia Albuquerque, another customer, echoed similar concerns. "The prices increase every time there's a festival. But we can't stop celebrating Christmas and enjoying good food. Still, something needs to be done about these price hikes," she said.
