Syrians are preparing to welcome the month of Ramadan with a spirit of hope and optimism, despite the difficult economic conditions prevailing in Syria.
Many are facing severe financial challenges, which have greatly affected their ability to provide basic necessities, leading them to buy essential food items and prepare traditional dishes.
During a tour of Damascus markets by Enab Baladi, it became evident that food goods are abundantly available at lower prices than in previous years. However, what prevents families from purchasing is the lack of cash flow.
This is attributed to delayed salaries and the loss of income sources for many citizens due to business disruptions.
Prices of basic food items were recorded as follows: a kilogram of Basmati rice at 9,500 Syrian pounds, a kilogram of sugar at 7,000 Syrian pounds, while the price of pasta ranges between 6,000 and 10,000 Syrian pounds, vermicelli at 10,000 Syrian pounds, and a kilogram of split lentils at 10,000 Syrian pounds.
Meanwhile, the price of a kilogram of dates ranges between 22,000 and 45,000 Syrian pounds, a liter of vegetable oil at 17,000 Syrian pounds, while the price of a kilogram of vegetable ghee is 24,000 Syrian pounds.
The dollar exchange rate is estimated at 10,000 pounds in the black market, while the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) maintains the rate at 13,200 pounds.
Dates in Damascus markets – February 2025 (Enab Baladi/Lama Diab)
As for Suhoor essentials, labneh is priced at 28,000 Syrian pounds, local cheese at 35,000 Syrian pounds, while Mushalal cheese is priced at 50,000 Syrian pounds.
Prices vary slightly from one store to another, due to many traders resorting to offers on various food items for the month of Ramadan, both to celebrate the occasion and to stimulate sales.
According to citizens interviewed by Enab Baladi in Damascus, although most food items are available and at lower prices than before, the lack of cash flow leads them to purchase basic needs in small quantities.
Most families prefer to buy from street vendors scattered throughout the capital Damascus due to the price difference with commercial stores.
Residents in Damascus markets – February 2025 (Enab Baladi/Lama Diab)
Muwafaq al-Mousali, a shop owner in Damascus, told Enab Baladi that he has resorted to holding promotions on various food and grocery items, but interest in purchases is low.
Typically, sales activity is intense the day before Ramadan begins, according to al-Mousali, but the difficult economic conditions and lack of cash have prevented it.
He added that there might be a slight improvement in market activity after the first week of Ramadan, as Ramadan is a month of blessing and goodness.
Economic expert Firas Shaabo previously explained to Enab Baladi that the purchasing power of Syrians will be significantly impacted during Ramadan, making living conditions even more difficult, especially with increased spending on food items against weak income.
He indicated that some families have lost their sources of livelihood due to the closure of several companies and factories, resulting in decreased demand for luxury goods, including meat, and focusing on purchasing only necessities, leading to a spread of family rationing systems.
Shaabo clarified that many families resort to reducing their daily consumption or shopping from aid and food assistance markets to bridge the gap between supply and demand, as well as between price levels and income.
Regarding rising prices, Shaabo asserted that inflation and weak production in Syria will make high prices inevitable, in the absence of an active economic cycle in the country.
Mirjana Spoljaric, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), previously explained to Enab Baladi that many Syrians continue to rely on humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for continued international support to ensure a smooth transition from relief to recovery and development.
According to a report issued by the Islamic Relief Organization on February 17, more than 15 million people need humanitarian support to survive.
More than 90% of Syrian households live below the poverty line, while at least 13 million people (over half the population) suffer from an inability to access enough food or afford it, according to a report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Additionally, 16.5 million people need humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.