Occupation's tightening on entry of goods exacerbates coal crisis in Gaza Strip

Gaza markets are witnessing an almost complete disappearance of coal after the occupation prevented its entry, raising the price per kilo from 15 to 60 shekels. Restaurants and hotels have reduced working hours or closed. The alternative firewood jumped from 4,000 to 7,000 shekels per ton, and only produces 180 kilograms of coal. The crisis reveals the impact of restrictions on the movement of goods.

The markets of the Gaza Strip are witnessing an almost complete disappearance of coal, following the tightening by the occupation authorities on the entry of goods and the prevention of coal entry. The ban led to a sharp rise in prices, as the price per kilogram jumped from about 15 shekels to more than 60 shekels, causing a decline in inventory and an increase in operating and production costs. The crisis directly affected restaurants, hotels, and food establishments that rely on coal for grilling, forcing some facilities to reduce their working hours and days, while others stopped offering certain items or closed temporarily. This coincided with warnings of worsening monopolization in the coal market, amid rising operating costs, a shortage of production supplies, and higher fuel and transportation prices, along with declining purchasing power. The cost of local alternatives also rose, as the price of a ton of firewood jumped from 4,000 to 7,000 shekels, and a ton produces only about 180 kilograms of coal, making local production a limited and expensive alternative. The crisis reveals the impact of restrictions on the movement of goods into Gaza, where preventing the entry of a commodity leads to a rapid shortage in supply, price increases, and speculation, before its repercussions extend to production, services, and consumer sectors. The article lacks any named sources or official figures regarding the scale of the crisis or the number of affected facilities.