KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Girgean is a celebration that takes place in Gulf countries in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan every year. This occasion brings joy to children and adults alike, as children go door to door to receive different kinds of sweets. The newspaper’s staff conducted a market tour to look into the prices, during which several citizens confirmed that the prices of Girgean goods this year rose significantly compared to last year. Market and consumer association officials attributed the 30 percent increase in the prices of Girgean goods this year to the rise of prices of chocolates and sweets in the producing countries.

Mohammad Al-Enezi, a citizen, called on regulatory authorities to monitor prices of Girgean goods, as they have risen significantly this year. “Although the prices of sweets, chocolates and nuts were relatively stable about a month before Ramadan, merchants often exploit such an occasion to raise prices and achieve high profits,” he asserted. Umm Safaa agrees with this opinion, stressing there is indeed a clear exaggeration in the prices of Girgean goods this year. She disclosed that the price of a basket containing 10 bags of goods -- supposedly the finest chocolates and sweets -- increased from KD28 during the Girgean season last year to KD 35 this season, while a basket containing 15 bags has reached KD48, compared to KD39 last season. She pointed out that some inexpensive types are unsafe for children’s health, as they use colorful candy and poorquality packaging. She called on officials from consumer associations and supermarkets to put an end to the excessive hike of Girgean prices. After taking a quick look at the prices, citizen Shafi Al- Saidi said he abandoned the idea of buying Girgean directly from the markets; indicating that he would rather buy Girgean products online, where the prices are lower by about 20 percent. He expressed dissatisfaction over the high prices, stating that some stores sell medium-quality “popular” two kilogram bags of mixed nuts for KD7, even though the price last year was not more than KD5.

Bu Ibrahim, a sales manager at a shopping center, pointed out that the rise in Girgean prices is an inevitable result of the rising prices of various types of sweets, chocolates and nuts in the producing countries. “Nevertheless, some types of Girgean products are reasonably priced and are suitable for those with limited income, while those with refined taste prefer the finest types of nuts, candy and chocolate; and are also interested in purchasing these products in luxurious boxes and various packaging,” he explained. He stated that prices have increased by 20 to 30 percent depending on the country of origin, especially the French products that are among the finest, indicating a medium sized packet of French chocolate can cost up to KD60. He said the demand for Girgean products usually increases after the third week of Ramadan each year. He pointed out that shipping, transportation and packaging costs have increased as well, in addition to the price increase in the sugar product used in manufacturing the sweets.

He also revealed that Kuwait imports sweets and nuts from Asian countries, most notably India, Pakistan and Malaysia; European countries such as France and the Netherlands; the United States of America; Turkey; and some Arab countries. He added Kuwait has several sweet factories. In related news, the Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continued its inspection tours in markets and shops in the holy month of Ramadan. The Capital and Al-Siddiq Emergency Inspection Team, headed by Director of the Commercial Control Department Faisal Al-Ansari, intensified its inspection of sweet shops in Shuwaikh.

Al-Ansari told the newspaper that due to the high demand for sweets in the middle of Ramadan to celebrate Girgean, the department has intensified its campaigns to monitor prices and product quality in accordance with the plan established for this purpose. “This is to ensure that merchants strictly comply with the regulations and to protect consumers from violations,” he elaborated. He said the fi eld visits are part of a comprehensive plan to continuously monitor markets and uncover commercial violations. He stressed the importance of consumers’ cooperation in reporting violations, warning that deterrent legal action will be taken against anyone proven to have committed violations. Meanwhile, as the Girgean celebration approaches during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Interior emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and security guidelines to ensure the safety of all, especially children, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The ministry highlighted the need to avoid blocking internal roads in residential areas and prohibited the use of recreational vehicles, folklore bands, and food carts in these areas, as they can obstruct traffic and put individuals’ lives at risk. It also confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against violators. The ministry called on guardians to closely monitor their children avoid relying on domestic workers, and follow safety instructions to ensure their well-being. It also urged drivers to reduce their speed and stay alert on both internal and public roads to prevent accidents. In addition, the Ministry of Interior said it has developed a comprehensive security and traffic plan for the holy month of Ramadan, which includes the deployment of fixed and mobile security patrols across various governorates to enhance public security and safety.

By Najeh Bilal and Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff