Inflation bites into Ramadan celebrations across Asia

[inanna]

Source: AFP

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — In Muslim households across Asia, the inflation crisis is casting a shadow over the holy month of Ramadan, and making the nightly ritual of breaking the fast a more meagre affair.

From Afghanistan to Malaysia, the high prices of food are forcing the poor to go without, and curtailing the lavish evening buffets which the well-off have flocked to in better economic times.

In markets and bazaars, the mood is sombre as traders complain they have few customers for their traditional Ramadan fare, as people cut back on treats and delicacies.

"Our business strategy this year is just to stay afloat," said Azahari Wahab as he prepared "ikan bakar" barbequed fish over a wood fire at a Ramadan street market in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.


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