Stagnation of commercial markets due to high prices, calls for stricter regulation

The commercial markets in al-Hasakah region are witnessing a state of stagnation and a decline in buying and selling activity, amid the continued rise in the prices of goods and fuel, along with fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar.

Citizens and shop owners confirm that the interplay of these factors has led to a decline in commercial activity, with most families limiting their purchases to essential needs, given the limited income and rising cost of living.

In this regard, citizen Hamad Akla Al-Mohammad from the city of al-Hasakah said that living conditions have become difficult due to the depreciation of the Syrian pound against the dollar and the rise in fuel prices.

He explained that exchange rate fluctuations directly affect market activity and are reflected in the prices of goods and their stability.

Al-Mohammad called on the relevant authorities to tighten market supervision, regulate prices in line with the exchange rate, and work on reducing fuel prices, given their direct impact on various economic sectors.

For his part, Mohamed Raslan, a shop owner in the city of al-Hasakah, explained that the weak purchasing power and lack of liquidity among citizens have significantly reduced sales activity, and that the markets may witness an improvement with the end of the harvest season, especially if fuel prices are reduced, as they are one of the most influential factors in commercial activity.

Raslan called for measures to stimulate the markets, including providing job opportunities, reducing customs duties, stabilizing the exchange rate, and tightening price controls.

For his part, citizen Omar Al-Kanas said that the markets are witnessing an unprecedented recession this year, attributing it to the rise in customs duties and fuel prices, which has affected the agricultural sector and the local economy, leading to an increase in commodity prices and a decline in sales activity.

Al-Kanas affirmed that revitalizing the markets requires providing job opportunities and enhancing the role of regulatory institutions in monitoring the markets and controlling prices, which would alleviate the living burdens on citizens and restore vitality to commercial activity.

ANHA