Saudi Arabia experiences beef price increases as Ramadan commences
A Brazilian beef import ban instituted last December is having a real financial effect in Saudi Arabia as the 28 day-long month of fasting began Tuesday.
According to an Arab News report July 10, citizens and expatriates alike in the Kingdom are feeling the pinch of ban on beef imports from Brazil as the price of beef has increased 40 percent since December.
The high price of beef is a cause of concern for everyone during Ramadan, when demand rises, the report notes. Beef is widely used during Ramadan by Saudi families in the form of mince for a variety of dishes including “samosa” and “kebabs.”
During the holy month (July 9-August 7, 2013), many Saudi individuals will provide “kabsa” with beef to expatriate laborers through mosques, which will now cost them much more. Beef is the main course for many expats during Ramadan.
The Brazil beef ban came soon after it was reported in December 2012 that in 2010, a 13-year-old cow exhibited limb stiffness in the city of Sertanopolis, Parana state. The animal died and later tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease), some 18 months after the animal died.
Saudi Arabia joined several other countries in banning Brazilian beef after the report came out.