Egyptian butcher cuts meat as a traditional Ramadan cloth hangs in the background (Photo: AP)
Egypt is preparing for Ramadan by upping supplies of flour and cooking gas as well as establishing distribution points for subsidised meat and vegetables.
The Ministry of Supply and Domestic Trade said on Tuesday that the government will supply Cairo bakeries with 77,000 tonnes of flour during the holy month to help them produce extra quantities of state-subsidised bread.
It will also establish 93 temporary outlets across Cairo governorate which will sell meat at prices ranging from LE36 to LE39.5 per kilo.
Other temporary outlets will sell basic food commodities at reduced rates, with holders of ration cards paying half-price during the holy month.
The ministry also said it will increase Cairo's share of butane gas cylinders, used for cooking, by 25 per cent to meet heightened demand.
The holy month of Ramadan, which begins this year on 20 July, sees most Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, breaking their fasts at sunset with lavish meals.
Food prices typically spike during Ramadan and can drive a deep hole in household budgets.
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