Somali businessmen say food prices in the Somali capital have increased by up to 50 percent since the holy month of Ramadan began in the capital, a predominantly Muslim city.
Many traders have fled Mogadishu after Islamic militants said last week that they would increase their attacks on government and African Union troops during this Muslim holy month that began Wednesday. The remaining traders have raised their prices, taking advantage of the vacuum.
Butchery owner Mohamud Aden said Monday he has increased his prices by 50 percent due to higher demand from his customers and because traders who sell him cows and camels have raised their prices.
Ramadan is a period Muslims devote to prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasting.
Copyright 2010 AP News
