Official reveals reasons of price increase

Tunisian official Samir Ben Naseeb of Endowment Ministry said that the rise in prices is due to the large increase in the demand for services related to the Hajj season annually, which is controlled mostly by Saudi companies and parties and subject to the logic of the market according to the level of supply.

Ben Naseeb said in a statement to “Arabs Today” that the organizers, which include the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the National Services and Residency Company, are keen to pressure the costs through direct negotiations with the Saudi contractors and suppliers, pointing out that the cost of housing for this season was less expensive than the years Despite the increase in the number of Tunisian pilgrims.

The official in the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that the provision of some additional services lead to an increase in prices, such as the capabilities of pilgrimage camps as a result of coinciding with the Hajj in the summer, which exceeds the estimated cost per person 300 dinars. He pointed out that Hajj is supported by the state indirectly through the Hajj delegation, which includes administrative staff to facilitate procedures and services, and religious guides, as well as health care provided by a delegation of doctors and officials of the Ministry of Public Health.

Bin Naseeb said that the definition of Hajj tariff is subject to the supervision of the state in contrast to Umrah trips, which vary according to seasons and services provided by travel agencies.

Many Tunisians have expressed their disapproval and resentment at the increase in the price of Hajj this year, which reached 9510 dinars, an increase of more than 500 dinars (within 200 dollars). The unions questioned the Ministry of Religious Affairs about the reasons for unjustified promotion. Reviewed ..