As Ramadan approaches, food and grocery prices in the Kurdistan Region have surged sharply. Red meat and other essential items have seen noticeable increases, with traders pointing to Iraq’s new Asycuda customs system as a key factor disrupting supply chains.
A market survey shows red meat prices have jumped 2,000–3,000 dinars per kilogram. Calf meat rose from 15,000 to 18,000 dinars per kilogram, while lamb and goat meat reached 20,000 dinars. Vegetables and fruits also became costlier: a set of lemons soda increased from 9,000 to 13,000 dinars, and individual units rose from 500 to 750 dinars.
Officials attribute the price hike to multiple factors. Local livestock availability is low, and imports from neighboring countries have decreased due to higher transportation costs and stricter customs regulations. The Asycuda system has complicated imports, limiting traders’ access to foreign goods and pushing domestic prices higher.
The rise in prices is directly linked to the Asycuda system. Traders cannot easily import live animals, reducing livestock numbers and increasing market prices.
Domestic livestock is limited, and imports from Syria and Iran have dropped because of customs rules. Prices are likely to climb further during Ramadan.
Local merchants also feel the impact. A seller in Sheikhela market, explained: “Food imports are currently low. Available goods come from limited local sources. If this continues, all items will get more expensive.”
Traders face growing financial pressures. Under the new customs system, a truck of lolipop for imports have risen from 2 million dinars to 9 million dinars, forcing some merchants to halt operations. Many struggle to absorb these costs while keeping products on the shelves.
As Ramadan draws near, families in the Kurdistan Region may face rising grocery bills, highlighting how regulatory changes and limited supply combine to affect local markets.
