KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: As is the case every year, livestock markets have witnessed a sharp spike in prices during this period, driven by the seasonal surge in demand for sacrificial sheep and the suspension of imports from Iran. The sudden supply squeeze has pushed prices to unprecedented levels within a short span of time.

A field tour at the Shuwaikh livestock market recorded significant increases. The price of a Nuaimi sheep has jumped from KD 120 to KD 150, with expectations it could reach KD 170 at the start of Ramadan. Meanwhile, Shafali sheep prices have climbed from KD 90 to KD 120, and traders predict they may exceed KD 140 in the coming days.

A livestock trader said the surge began last week, attributing it largely to the halt in Iranian imports — a key source that played a major role in market supply. “The reduction in available stock has directly impacted prices, especially with increased purchasing ahead of the holy month,” he noted, describing Ramadan as a peak annual season due to heightened demand for slaughtered sheep for banquets and charitable donations.

He added that current market quantities are insufficient to meet demand. Although a shipment recently arrived from Syria and was sold at KD 130 per head, it was not enough to restore balance or curb escalating prices.

Another trader said many families continue to prefer live sheep for Ramadan gatherings and feasts despite the rising costs, even though alternatives such as imported and chilled meat are available. He cautioned that prices may continue climbing through the first week of Ramadan before stabilizing, stressing that the situation hinges on the resumption of imports or the arrival of new shipments in sufficient quantities to rebalance supply and demand.

Frozen Meat Emerges as Alternative

With live sheep prices soaring, frozen and imported meat has emerged as a viable alternative. A vendor said frozen meat prices range between KD 25 and KD 85 depending on size and origin, and demand has increased significantly as consumers seek more affordable options amid the current price wave.