Annual fears in the Eastern Province over the price of sheep are yet to be converted into outright complaints against traders exploiting the summer period's numerous public occasions, even as some are reportedly charging up to SR1,000 for even lean heads of sheep. Traders themselves describe business as “brisk”, but deny any price-fixing. “Most livestock traders look forward to the summer, but that does not necessarily mean a raise in prices,” said sheep seller, Abdul Wahhab Ahmad. “Prices at the moment are ranging between SR700 and SR900.” A Ministry of Commerce official in the region said the markets were being monitored by teams on the ground. “We are yet to receive any complaints,” Hamad Al-Hulaibi said. “I can assure people that most traders are keeping to within acceptable price limits.” A Ministry of Agriculture official also moved to reassure the public that health measures were being taken to ensure their safety, with veterinarians inspecting sheep markets and slaughter houses. “We conduct continual checkups on sheep and owners are not allowed to move their livestock until confirmation comes that the animals are free of disease,” the official said.
