(Graphics: 964media)
KRG expands price checks in markets before Ramadan
ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has begun preparations to monitor prices and product quality in local markets ahead of Ramadan, with officials pledging stricter inspections during the month.
The ministry held a meeting attended by the deputy minister, the director general of trade for the Kurdistan Region, and directors general from governorates and independent administrations. Participants decided to form several committees to oversee prices and the quality of goods and commodities during Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. This means they do not eat food, drink liquids or smoke during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, and a pre-dawn meal is called suhoor.
Nawzad Sheikh Kamil, director general of trade for the Kurdistan Region, told 964media that inspection committees are expanded and activated annually during religious and national occasions to monitor shops, markets and supermarkets and to reassure citizens that prices will not rise and that goods will be of good quality and safe.
He added that any product without a visible expiration date will be confiscated and destroyed.
Kamil said penalties for violations start at 50,000 dinars ($33) and can reach up to 5 million dinars ($3,314). A second penalty includes closure of the business for a period ranging from three to 10 days. A third measure involves completing an investigation file and referring the case to court.
He called on citizens to report any concerns to the inspection teams for follow-up.
Based on astronomical estimates and moon-sighting practices, the month of Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, with the first day of fasting likely on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, subject to official confirmation by religious authorities after sighting the new crescent moon.