Qatar meat prices may increase

Meat prices in Qatar may increase as local meat and livestock company Mawashi winds up its operations at the central market, according to a local report.

The report is a survey of the reaction of livestock traders and the public in general to Mawashi's decision to discontinue its operations in the central market.

But most traders said Mawashi's decision will not have any significant impact on prices of meat and livestock because they are determined on supply and demand, and overhead expenses that include rentals, labour cost and feed costs. 

The traders also said the profit margin often varies between QR50 and QR100 per cattle, but the public fear of Mawashi's absence from the market will create imbalance because it controlled the prices of both fresh meat and livestock.

The public also feared that imports of livestock from some countries may be discontinued.

Traders added that authorities should impose strict vigilance on the prices.