Ramadan: Kano ice block sellers lament poor sales

Ice block sellers in Kano State are reporting very low sales this Ramadan, blaming the unusually cool harmattan weather for the slump. In previous years, the fasting period brought brisk business, as demand for cold drinks surged during iftar. However, this year, cooler temperatures have reduced consumption, leaving many sellers counting losses, with electricity bills […]

Ice block sellers in Kano State are reporting very low sales this Ramadan, blaming the unusually cool harmattan weather for the slump.

In previous years, the fasting period brought brisk business, as demand for cold drinks surged during iftar. However, this year, cooler temperatures have reduced consumption, leaving many sellers counting losses, with electricity bills competing with daily profits.

Shuaibu Danyalo, who has been in the business for over six years, said he has invested heavily but recorded only minimal sales so far.

“Every business has its season. We cannot say we don’t like this weather; Allah knows why it is this way. I invested more than N15,000 on water alone, and we pay an average of N5,000 daily for electricity, yet we sell only one or two coolers since the fasting began,” he lamented.

He added that many sellers have resorted to seeking divine intervention. “Those who laugh at us should know we are counting losses,” he said.

Basiru Namalam, chairman of ice block sellers behind the Royal Hotel in Kano, explained that the season has also affected prices.

“This year, we are recording low sales because Ramadan came in cold weather. People buy, but not that much. A block is sold for between N50 and N100. Before, it was between N200 and N300. People only buy it during hot weather, but in harmattan, many don’t use it,” he said.

He noted that retailers often make more profit than producers. “We pay for electricity and rent, but they sell directly to end users,” he added.

At the Post Office area, another seller, Halifa Ibrahim, said they accept the situation as destiny.

“Allah has destined this business for us, and the weather too is from Him. We do it in all seasons and don’t complain. Every business has its season, and this is not ours,” he said.

Residents also confirmed reduced use of ice blocks. Abubakar Muhammad said he only bought once since the start of fasting.

“In fact, I regretted it because I was having a catarrh, and after taking a soft drink with the ice block, it became worse. That is why I told my wife we are not buying again until the weather changes,” he said, recalling that last year’s Ramadan, he bought two to three blocks daily for his family.

Hauwa Shu’aibu, however, said she still buys one block daily to prepare kunun aya (tiger nut drink).

“I need it to keep the drink cool, but the electricity shortage also affects us,” she said.