Rising energy costs caused by the Iran war have forced Egypt to hike fuel and cooking gas prices, hitting the country's already struggling poor and middle classes hard. The price increases are rippling across the economy, raising the costs of food, transportation and services. Egyptian families have been struggling for years because of austerity measures. Many now fear the new blow will make even many basic necessities unaffordable. Merchants say people are buying less meat and produce, even during the holy month of Ramadan.
