Ice Block Vendors in Kano Report Declining Sales During Ramadan

Ice block vendors in Kano State are reporting a substantial decline in sales this Ramadan, citing the unusually cool harmattan weather as a key factor affecting business.

In previous years, the month of fasting typically brought increased demand for chilled beverages during iftar, but this year, the cooler temperatures have led to reduced consumption. Many vendors are now struggling with financial losses, as their electricity costs continue to outweigh earnings.

Shuaibu Danyalo, who has been in the ice business for over six years, shared his concerns, mentioning that despite making significant investments, his sales have been disappointing.

"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 fasting began," he expressed.

Many sellers are turning to spirituality for solace during these challenging times. Danyalo remarked on the hardships faced by ice block vendors, stating, "Those who laugh at us should know we are counting losses."

Basiru Namalam, who leads the group of ice block sellers behind the Royal Hotel in Kano, elaborated on how the weather has influenced their pricing and sales volume.

"This year, we are seeing lower sales because Ramadan has coincided with cooler weather. Customers buy, but the quantities are significantly diminished. Currently, a block costs between N50 and N100, a decrease from last year where prices ranged from N200 to N300. Sales are higher in hot weather, but during harmattan, many abstain from using ice," he explained.

Namalam pointed out that retailers tend to earn better profits than producers, noting the challenges of expenses such as electricity and rent, which producers bear, while retailers sell directly to consumers.

Halifa Ibrahim, another vendor at the Post Office area, remarked on their acceptance of the situation, viewing it as a part of their destiny.

"Allah has determined this business for us, and we accept the prevailing weather as His doing. We operate in all seasons and refrain from complaints. Every business has its season, and this is simply not ours," he stated.

Residents in the area have also observed a marked decrease in their usage of ice blocks. Abubakar Muhammad admitted to purchasing ice only once since Ramadan began, sharing an unfortunate experience of its impact on his health.

"In fact, I regretted it because I was having a cold, and after consuming a soft drink with the ice block, it became worse. That's why I told my wife we are not buying again until the weather changes," he recalled, highlighting that last Ramadan he would purchase two to three blocks daily for his family.

Conversely, Hauwa Shu’aibu mentioned that she continues to buy one block each day to keep her kunun aya (tiger nut drink) cool, although she noted that electricity shortages also pose challenges.

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