Iran war dampens Easter season for millions in Ethiopia as gas and food prices rise
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Millions of Christians in Ethiopia observed Good Friday in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Friday as celebrations — ahead of their Easter Sunday this weekend — were dampened by fuel scarcity and rising food prices caused by the Iran war.
Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians follow a calendar that differs from the one used by most of the world’s Christians, who observed Easter on April 5.
Good Friday follows a 55-day fast, locally known as Abiy Tsom, which features communal prayers and many worshippers donning traditional white attire. This is followed by a festive vigil during which parishioners seek forgiveness and peace ahead of Easter Sunday.
But high prices have affected both travel and the slaughtering of animals, a communal ritual.
One resident, Samuel Teshome, said the price of sheep has almost doubled, making it too expensive for his family.
Another resident, Sirawdink Admaus, said the price of a rooster has almost doubled.
Sellers said this is due to increased costs of transporting animals from rural areas.
Ethiopia faces a fuel shortage, with few stations stocking the commodity. Some businesspeople have turned to the black market for supply, where prices are even higher.
Tefera Aragaw, a minibus taxi driver, said the long wait at gas stations has disrupted his income, and he anticipated a subdued Easter celebration.
“We have been waiting for three days, and we spent the nights here. There is also a possibility that we may not be able to get fuel at all,” he said.
The government has introduced cost-saving measures including allowing most public servants to work from home and prioritizing fuel supply to essential services.
___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse
The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.