In the bustling city of Aswan, nestled along the banks of the Nile River, the Nile Supermarket has stood as a cornerstone of the community for over two decades. Its owner, Hamdi Ali Abu Zeid, has been a familiar face to locals, greeting customers with a warm smile and stocking the shelves with daily necessities.
However, in recent times, Hamdi has witnessed a troubling shift in his once-thriving business. “The prices of food have gone up so much that many of my regular customers can’t afford to buy the basics,” he laments. “I see the worry on their faces, and it breaks my heart.”
Egypt is grappling with a significant surge in food prices, a predicament that has placed a heavy burden on both consumers and small business owners like Hamdi. The combination of global economic pressures and domestic challenges has led to inflation rates that are hitting the average citizen hard.
“Every week, suppliers raise their prices,” Hamdi explains. “I have no choice but to adjust the prices in my store, but I try to keep them as low as possible. Still, it’s not within the consumers’ reach anymore.”
The high cost of food is affecting not just purchasing power but also the overall economic landscape of small towns and cities across Egypt. Families are cutting back on essentials, and local businesses are feeling the strain as sales decline.
Economists attribute the soaring prices to a mix of factors, including currency devaluation, increased import costs, and the ripple effects of global market fluctuations. For citizens like Hamdi and his customers, these macroeconomic terms translate into daily hardships.
“I’ve been in this business for 20 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” says Hamdi. “I’m worried about the future. If things don’t improve, small shops like mine might not survive.”
Despite the challenges, Hamdi remains committed to serving his community. “This shop is more than a business to me; it’s a part of Aswan. I’ll keep doing what I can to help my neighbors get through these tough times.”
As Egypt navigates these economic difficulties, stories like Hamdi’s highlight the human impact of inflation and the resilience of local communities. The hope remains that with collective effort and effective policies, relief will come to those who need it most.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
