The prices of legumes in the Syrian markets continue to witness significant jumps, putting many families in a situation where they cannot afford to buy sufficient quantities to meet their basic food needs. The increasing concern arises during the harsh winter season when legumes are the main source of nutrition and warmth for many deprived households. Despite efforts to address this crisis, the situation appears to be heading for the worse, with prices competing to reach new highs every year.
Prices of grains and legumes such as lentils, fava beans, and chickpeas have seen a substantial increase in the current year. Some commodities have seen their prices rise by around 10,000 pounds compared to the previous year. Legumes, being the cornerstone of winter meals, have forced some citizens to buy bulgur, lentils, chickpeas, or even rice by the ounce, just enough for one dish.
Several store owners confirm that in previous years, the prices of legumes would start at astronomical figures at the beginning of their seasons, but they were never higher than the prices of bananas or other tropical fruits. However, today the price of a kilogram of beans has reached 36,000 pounds.
Others explain that prices have skyrocketed over the past two years, for example, the best types of lentils were sold at 4,000 pounds at the beginning of the winter season in 2021. This can be observed in the case of chickpeas, fava beans, white beans, which were sold at 7,000 pounds. However, today the price of a kilogram of chickpeas has reached 31,000 pounds, lentils 20,000 pounds, and excess rice 18,000 pounds.
Even restaurants have been affected. One restaurant owner, who buys chickpeas at 31,000 pounds, stated that he had to raise the price of a kilogram of "smooth hummus" to between 26,000 and 30,000 pounds. The same applies to fava beans, where the increase in the prices of raw materials "chickpeas and fava beans" along with the increase in the price of tahini and gas serves as an additional factor. The price of a kilogram of plain fava beans has reached 20,000 pounds, while the seasoned one with oil has reached 34,000 pounds and without oil, it's 30,000 pounds. The price of a kilogram of whole chickpeas with seasoning has reached 34,000 pounds.
"Dama Platform" reached out to the head of the Consumer Protection Association, Abdul Aziz Maqali, to inquire about the reasons behind the increase in legume prices, the role of supply in securing grains, and whether there is any monopolization of legumes or any involvement by traders. Maqali explained that there are several reasons for the high cost of grains, including the increase in energy carriers' prices, agricultural chemicals, labor wages, monopolization of certain legume varieties by some traders, weak internal control, and most importantly, the timing of seasons.
Maqali added that the monopolization of some legume varieties by traders and weak internal control have contributed to their price increase, and it is not expected that prices will decrease. The question regarding the role of supply remains unanswered.
In summary, the soaring prices of legumes in the Syrian market have put a strain on many families, making it difficult for them to afford sufficient quantities for their basic food needs. Several factors, including increased energy and agricultural chemical prices, labor wages, monopolization by traders, and weak internal control, have contributed to the rise in prices. The role of supply in addressing this issue remains uncertain.
