Xinjiang offers discount meat ahead of major festival

Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have began selling discount meat to residents ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a large festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which falls on Saturday.

From Monday to Friday, authorities are expected to offer around 1,000 tonnes of fresh mutton through nearly 200 sales points in 39 counties administered by 11 prefectures and cities, according to a spokesman with the region's commerce department.

The meat was priced between 40 to 44 yuan (6.5 to 7.2 U.S. dollars) per kilogram, which is 10 to 15 yuan cheaper than market prices, said the spokesman.

It is a long-held tradition for Xinjiang authorities to supply cheap meat prior to major festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr. In the past, however, frozen meat was offered.

This year, the government will supply fresh mutton in order to bolster confidence of local animal husbandry, as the market price for beef and mutton have remained relatively low since the second half of last year. Endi