Residents of Nalchik reported price increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Beef, sour cream, butter, and mushrooms have increased in price in Nalchik stores and markets. Residents believe the price hike has been ongoing since the beginning of the year and is not due to the approaching Eid al-Fitr.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," Nalchik residents noticed price increases for some food products last year. They do not associate the price hike with the Muslim fast of Ramadan and the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Fitr. This year, in Chechnya, as well as Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia, the first day of Ramadan and fasting was declared February 18. The Muftiate of Dagestan declared February 19 as the first day of Ramadan. In connection with the end of Ramadan in Kabardino-Balkaria, March 20th has been declared a day off.

Food prices began to rise even before the New Year. The Ramadan fast and preparations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday haven't had much of an impact on prices, several small shops in Nalchik told a Caucasian Knot correspondent.

At a small shop on Nakhushev Street in Nalchik, they said the owner, Alim, is a devout Muslim, so he kept prices low during the holy month of Ramadan and didn't raise them. Moreover, the shop gave away free bread on Thursdays.

"We don't know what will happen after Eid al-Fitr. Prices may go up, but throughout this entire month, our shop owner hasn't raised prices if that was possible," a saleswoman reported. She said that only fresh mushrooms have gone up in price significantly; 1 kg now costs 1,200 rubles, down from 900. Potatoes at this store are 45 rubles per kg, cheaper than at other stores, where the price can reach 65 rubles.

The Gurman store on Shogentsukov Avenue reported that they had lowered their prices on fresh chicken ahead of the holiday.

"1 kg of fresh chicken costs 250 rubles today, down from 265 rubles yesterday. Before, it was 245 rubles. It all depends on the suppliers; we don't raise or lower prices ourselves," the saleswoman replied.

Eggs at this store are consistently priced. 130 and 150 rubles a dozen. Butter is 250 rubles for 180 grams, cheese is 400 rubles.

Nalchanka Irina Zachinyaeva noted the high prices of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes – 250 and 300 rubles, respectively, and fresh bell peppers – 350 rubles.

Nina Khadzhimukova noted the rise in beef prices, saying that entrecote used to cost 700 rubles, now it costs 900. Butter, which she buys from private sellers at the market, now costs 1,400 rubles per kg.

Madina Sokhova noted the rise in meat prices.

"Beef has become significantly more expensive, as has sour cream. For example, I used to buy a 700-gram jar of sour cream for 350 rubles; now it costs 500 rubles."