April 16- The Egyptian Chamber of Tourist Establishments (ECTE) has ordered all food outlets and tourist enterprises to boycott red meat on April 26 in a bid to protest against the increase in prices of the same --  LE80 per kg.

"As a board of directors, we believe that this is a civilised reaction," said the Chairman of ECTE Wagdy El-Kirdany. "Newspapers and talk shows have repeatedly called for a boycott but nothing happens," he added, pointing out that ECTE is the only organisation that can deal with the price hike and enforce such a boycott.

About 1,500 outlets, said El-Kirdany, purchase around 300/400 kg of red meat per day. "If they all stop purchasing meat for one day, there will be excess supply which will inevitably lower the prices." Thus, red meat won’t be served at any restaurant and tourist enterprise on April 26. Those who serve red meat on the given date will be punishable by law, he added.

Meanwhile, the prices of red meat across Egypt almost doubled in price last month and officials have been unable to give a sound reason for this unprecedented increase. While some blame private butchers, others say the fault lies with cattle traders.