JEDDAH: Consumers in Jeddah are complaining about skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and services in the city. During a tour of malls and shopping centers, Okaz/Saudi Gazette found a number of unhappy shoppers. Walled Al-Maliki, a customer, said: “The fluctuation in the prices of consumer products makes it impossible for any bread winner to draw up a precise budget because there are ups and downs in the prices of essential commodities.” He said he has tried to buy different brands of these essential items, but the prices are just as high. Citing an example, he said the prices of different brands of washing powder for clothes are almost the same. “I believe that the manufacturers, who are mostly local businessmen, have an agreement under the table to keep the prices almost the same. This makes it difficult for consumers to look for cheaper alternatives.” He said his monthly bill for essential items is over SR1,000. Even when there are special offers, this does not reduce the bill. Saeed Al-Ghamdi, another shopper, said the last five days of the month is when families go to air-conditioned malls to roam and do some shopping. This is because most families can't afford the high prices of entertainment parks. He said the salaries of most people are gone in the first few days of every month because of the high prices and service charges. He said alternatives to essential commodities are limited, special offers are only for inferior brands or stock about to expire. Awad Al-Selmi, another shopper, said saving money is impossible. “I personally think it is a miracle for any family or breadwinner to have a balanced budget. They always have a deficit in the monthly budget. The luckiest are those who don't have to stretch out their hands for loans after the second or third week of the new month.”
