While millions of Ethiopians celebrated Good Friday in the capital, Addis Ababa, many continued to suffer the consequences of the crisis in the Middle East, which has caused chronic fuel shortages and rising prices for basic necessities.

This year's celebration was therefore more subdued and less lavish, as Christians across the country commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ ahead of Fasika, the Ethiopian Easter festival which takes place on Sunday.

This day precedes the end of a 55-day fast (Abiy Tsome) marked by public prayers in churches, where many people wear traditional white clothes, followed by a festive vigil during which parishioners implore forgiveness and peace in their country and abroad, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter Sunday.

The slaughter of animals, which is a traditional community ritual, has suddenly become inaccessible to many Ethiopian Christians.

Samuel Teshome says he is thinking about what he is going to buy, because the price of sheep has almost doubled since last year.

"The price of sheep has almost doubled, and buying these delicacies has suddenly become unaffordable for me and my family," Teshome told the Associated Press.

Many say this has only pushed many entrepreneurs to turn to the black market, where fuel sells for far more than its value, leading to a sharp rise in the prices of basic necessities as they prepare to celebrate one of Ethiopia's most important religious holidays.

Tefera Aragaw, a minibus-taxi driver, explains that the long wait to refuel at the gas station has resulted in a loss of income and that he expects a more modest celebration this year.

“We have been waiting for three days and have spent the nights here. It is also possible that we may not be able to get any fuel at all,” he said.

Faced with the fuel shortage, the Ethiopian government has put in place strict measures, including urging the majority of its civil servants to work from home, controlling food prices and prioritizing fuel for essential services, although this initiative seems to have little impact on the population, explains Sirawdink Admaus.

“Previously, the highest price for a rooster was 1,500 birr, but now it reaches 2,500 birr. It has doubled. The reason given is that the fuel costs for transporting them from rural areas to the capital have increased,” lamented Admaus.

Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which is several days behind the Gregorian calendar, used by the Catholic and Protestant churches.