AKP Phnom Penh, 27 May, 2026--
Soaring inflation and mounting regional tensions have dampened Egypt's livestock market ahead of Eid al-Adha, with traders reporting weak demand and many families forced to scale back their sacrificial traditions.

At a major livestock market on the outskirts of Cairo, veteran trader Abdel Aal Al-Saidi said feed prices have doubled, yet sales remain sluggish.

"In past years, we used to sell more than half of our stock a month before Eid. This year, we have sold only a handful," he told Xinhua. "We are making almost no profit."

According to Egypt's Chambers of Commerce, live beef and veal prices now range between 210 and 220 Egyptian pounds (4.02 to 4.21 U.S. dollars) per kilogram, up from 180 pounds last year. Live sheep prices have surged to 250 pounds per kilogram from 215 pounds a year earlier.

Traders and officials have linked the price surge to escalating tensions across the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains and pushed up maritime freight costs.

Egypt relies heavily on imported feed ingredients such as yellow corn and soybeans. Government data shows the price of fattening feed has jumped to between 22,000 and 24,500 Egyptian pounds per ton, compared with 16,000 to 17,500 pounds before the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The rising prices have forced many families to make difficult compromises. Mostafa Kamal, a 52-year-old employee at a private company in Cairo who had pooled money with his brothers to buy a calf for a decade, gave up the tradition this year.

"The skyrocketing prices of basic goods and food have drained our savings," he said. "A calf is beyond our budget now."

Some citizens have turned to charitable alternatives. Sharif Magdi, a 41-year-old engineer, opted for sacrificial bonds offered by Egypt's Ministry of Awqaf and official charities.

"The price of a local sacrificial bond ranges from 9,000 to 9,900 Egyptian pounds," Magdi said. "Buying a live sheep would cost the same or more, plus butcher fees, transport, and other expenses."

"The bond provides a guaranteed, net amount of meat distributed entirely to the neediest families," he added.

In response to public pressure, the government has launched subsidized initiatives, offering live sacrificial animals through state-run outlets at prices 15 to 20 percent below market rates.

AKP-Xinhua