Rite du sacrifice à l'Aïd El-Idha : les Tunisiens confrontés à une flambée des prix des moutons
As the Aïd El-Idha approaches, the surge in prices of sheep and the scarcity of supply in regulated sales points are putting a strain on the purchasing power of Tunisians. Many families are now struggling to perform the ritual of sacrifice.
The Aïd El-Idha has lost its charm
The Aïd El-Idha has gradually lost its charm and enthusiasm that surrounded it in the past. Far from the time when this religious holiday was associated with joy, family reunions, and impressive, horned sheep that were the pride of their owners, the Aïd has become a source of financial anxiety for many households.
The rise in prices of sheep
The surge in prices of sheep is mainly due to the drastic increase in the costs of breeding and the decrease in the herd. Breeders are facing increasingly heavy charges, particularly in terms of animal feed. The prices of barley, hay, and various feed supplements have skyrocketed in recent years due to water stress, pushing the prices of sheep to record levels.
The situation is dire
The cost of a sheep for the Aïd El-Idha has continued to rise from year to year, depriving an increasing number of Tunisian families of this holiday due to insufficient financial means. This year, it is estimated that at least 1,500 dinars are needed to acquire a sheep that meets the criteria for the sacrifice as defined by the religious tradition. In several regions of the country, prices range from 1,450 to 2,000 dinars.
Intermediaries are taking advantage of the situation
In this context, intermediaries are already rubbing their hands together. The "producer-to-consumer" sales points, intended to allow citizens to buy at regulated prices, are insufficient in the face of massive demand. The number of sheep offered in these spaces remains very limited, further increasing the pressure on buyers.
Scenes of bousculade and discontent
On Wednesday, May 20, at the regulated sales point in Radès, the situation illustrated this tension perfectly. From 6 am, dozens of citizens were already queuing in the hope of obtaining a sheep at an accessible price. However, at the opening, considered late by several people present, only about 20 sheep were available for sale.
The strong influx has caused scenes of bousculade and discontent
The strong influx has caused scenes of bousculade and discontent from the first moments. The majority of people who came to the site left empty-handed, with a deep sense of disappointment and bitterness. Many also denounced the complete lack of information from the responsible authorities regarding the possible arrival of other flocks during the day.
The professionals are absent
It is worth recalling that the sales of sheep for the Aïd El-Idha began on Monday, May 18, 2026, through regulated sales points set up by the Groupement interprofessionnel des viandes rouges et du lait (Givlait), in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries.
The regulated sales points are insufficient
In the Grand Tunis, two main spaces have been set up, the first in Radès on Avenue Hédi Nouira and the second in Essaïda in the delegation of Oued Ellil, governorate of La Manouba. These sales points operate on a system of sale by live weight with national reference prices: 27 dinars per kilogram for sheep weighing less than 45 kg, 25.8 dinars for those weighing between 45 and 65 kg, and 23.8 dinars for sheep weighing over 65 kg.
The Givlait has called on breeders and professionals to supply these spaces
The Givlait has called on breeders and professionals in the sector to supply these spaces massively in order to allow consumers to buy controlled sheep at regulated prices. While citizens have responded in large numbers, hoping to find more accessible prices, they have, however, denounced the limited availability of sheep in these sales points, pointing out the almost complete absence of professionals and the insufficiency of the offer in the face of particularly strong demand.
