A vegetable market in the EP.

Vegetables prices have skyrocketed by as much as 150 percent at Dammam markets during the month of Ramadan.

Yet market traders are still predicting new price hikes over the next few days, especially on vegetables such as leek, watercress, coriander, parsley, lettuce and tomatoes.

“The price of lettuce jumped to SR35 per box from SR15 to SR17,” said Saeed Al-Assiri, a seller.

“Prices are likely to rise further thanks to increased demand.” “The price of a box of potatoes now costs SR10 compared with a mere SR3 on regular days and a box of cucumbers, which used to cost anywhere between SR10 and SR12, costs SR25,” said Al-Assiri.

Investors have attributed price spikes to wholesalers who suffer a lack of labor and must cater to increased demand.

Yasser Al-Bashrawi, an investor in the vegetable market, predicts price hikes on many types of stalk vegetables that are highly demanded during Ramadan.

Several shoppers have asked the Eastern Province municipality to improve hygiene conditions at the vegetable market after customers made several complaints.

Other shoppers have asked Ministry of Commerce to issue a regular updated bulletin with the prices of vegetables, which will be placed at the front of the market to monitor prices, especially during seasons where prices spike. Rafik Al-Soliehi, a customer, said, “Prices are high on many essential items, such as lemon, coriander, lettuce and leek, during Ramadan.”

He pleaded with authorities to monitor prices and called upon the municipality and vendors to ensure hygiene standards.

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