JAZAN: Markets and shops selling foodstuffs in Jazan are witnessing much activity and shopping with plenty of competition among sellers.

Shoppers are getting ready for Ramadan. Some are going to the big coldstores while those with lower incomes head for the shops offering discounts.

Qassen Jibran Arieshi said, “The lower prices advertised lately are good for citizens but most of the discounts we see are fake and for big coldstores.”

Others feel the same. “Most markets have announced discounts, some of more than half but in reality this is not so with merchants who seek to exploit and make more profit during the holy month,” said Ahmad Saeeri, another shopper.

Mohammad Thyabi said that some shoppers were buying clothes for the Eid before Ramadan because of lower prices.

“I am one of the people benefiting from social security but the prices in some Jazan markets are highly inflated and we lack money to buy foodstuffs during Ramadan when buying increases,“Umm Yahia said as she thanked King Salman for his continued support for social security.

The Jazan Municipality has increased its monitoring and inspection roles, especially in preparation for Ramadan with the strict application of health regulations through inspections of foodstuffs, shops and restaurants.

It has already issued citations for violations tickets inspection tours relating to expiry dates of foodstuffs which were being prepared for sale during the holy month.

Deputy Mayor for Services Dr. Ibrahim Al Khayat said there was a need for everyone to observe health rules in the interest of public safety and consumer protection.