RAMALLAH - The head of the supreme council of Islamic courts on Thursday urged traders not to hike prices during the holy month of Ramadan.

Yousef Adeis called on businesses to consider people's economic hardship and to offer food and goods at reasonable prices.

The sheikh said in a statement that some traders hiked prices during Ramadan, taking advantage of high demand as families host meals to break the daily fast every evening and buy clothes during Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the end of the holy month.

Adeis appealed to authorities to monitor prices and to stop shop owners exploiting the fasting month.

He also called on Muslims to make use of Ramadan to pray, and not just to shop.

Ramadan is expected to start on July 20, depending on lunar sightings.