Chinese authorities have taken various measures to ensure sufficient food supplies and stable food prices as Spring Festival, the most important traditional Chinese festival that usually sees surging consumer demand, is approaching.
In Luohe City of central China's Henan Province, large farmer's markets and supermarkets are stocked with a wide array of daily necessities and fresh vegetables, offering a comprehensive selection and ample supply.
A significant increase can be seen in the variety of rice, flour, and edible oil in supermarkets. Price tags are color-coded, with white tags indicating market prices, while yellow tags discounted prices. Any fluctuations in prices will be closely monitored.
"Prices are clearly marked and based on government guidelines. To ensure a steady supply, we have rice and flour supplies in stock 20 times the usual amount, and edible oil 30 times. Our supply vehicles will [deliver goods to] stores every day before 10:00, and the quality is guaranteed," said Zhang Sufang, a staff member at a local supermarket.
Meanwhile, there is growing attention to new market trends focusing on nutrition and health.
"We will ensure a sufficient supply and stable prices of grain and edible oil products, and maintain consistent market availability. We will actively adapt to the growing trend of nutrition and health consumption, support enterprises in increasing the supply of sought-after, high-quality new products with characteristics, accelerate the cultivation and promotion of whole grain products, so as to better meet the diverse, personalized, and customized consumption needs of consumers," said Luo Shouquan, director of the grain reserves department of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.
China takes measures to ensure stable food supply, prices as Spring Festival approaches
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.
However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.
Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.
Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.
"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.
Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.
"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.
Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family
