Saleh Al-Zahrani Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Economists have warned Saudi families against the insane shopping spree in Ramadan, saying spending by some families has reached the equivalent of their two months' income. They said this would create great pressure on family budgets, especially with the approaching Eid and back-to-school seasons. Habiballah Turkistani, a professor of marketing at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, said many shoppers are deceived by the Ramadan offers that are announced by shops to gain a share of the 100 percent increase in spending on foodstuffs and consumer goods during the holy month compared to ordinary days. He called for setting the priorities in the market and focusing on the basic needs. “Families should prepare a list of purchases before leaving home for shopping.” He pointed out that on a small percentage of consumers heed repeated calls by experts for rationalization in spending. For his part, economist Muhammad Al-Anqari called on families in different segments of society not to stick to specific brands. He said by purchasing alternative commodities, the family can save at least 20 percent. The alternatives are of no less quality than the famous brands. Citing an example, he said some national poultry companies sell a kilogram of chicken for SR13 whereas their rivals sell a kilo for SR17 without no big difference in quality. He called for taking into consideration the family's budget and not borrowing money under whatever circumstances. He said consumer loans in the Kingdom have increased to over SR300 billion. Economist Ghazi Abbar said the purpose of fasting is to feel the suffering of the needy. He said the first lesson to be learned from fasting is to rationalize consumption and not extravagance, which Islam forbids. He cautioned consumers against being deceived by Ramadan offers that encourage people to spend more. He said some people might purchase commodities that expire before they have been used. Abbar said families must take into consideration the difficult economic circumstances at present and the rise in prices. “This should be a beginning to inculcate the habit of rationalization in family members from childhood itself,” he said. He called on the Ministry of Commerce and the Consumer Protection Association (CPA) to play a bigger role in protecting the consumer from the unjustified price hikes.
