THE Ramadan 2023 is on our doorstep. This period marks a strong demand for consumer products which is accompanied by a significant price increase. In order to counter this phenomenon, the Algerian authorities want take the lead. Thus, a campaign is set up to ensure the availability of foodstuffs and ensure the smooth running of the month of fasting.
The regulation of the national market and the securing of its supply of basic products are the key elements of the operation. Campaigns have also been launched with the population to reassure them about the availability of essential foodstuffs during Ramadan. An evaluation plan is being developed by the government to ensure household comfort. The latter aims to:
- Establish a study of the local supply scheme;
- Monitor the prices of consumer products;
- Coordinate the various bodies responsible for consumer protection.
A few weeks before Ramadan, the Algerian government reassures
For this Ramadan 2023, officials are seeking to avoid a repeat of the 2022 scenario where food prices had shown a strong upward trend. However, a few weeks before Ramadan, the prices of certain foods are already skyrocketing. President Tebboune had underlined, during a previous cabinet meetingthe importance of bringing together the appropriate conditions for the smooth running of the month of fasting.
For Ramadan 2023, the government promises Algerians red meat at 1200 DA/kg.
The government also seeks to engage farmers by encouraging them to deal with reliable wholesalers and retailers. The hoped-for end is to curb speculation and consequently bring food prices down, after the sharp rise of recent weeks.
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The Minister of Agriculture, Abdelhafid Henni, assured that the production of fruits and vegetables is sufficient to cover market needs. With regard to red meats, he asserts that cap prices at 1200 DA/kilo represents the main objective. Moreover, an import program for this commodity is underway. Red meats will be available in quantity during the next month of Ramadan.
Preparation for Ramadan: Minister Kamel Rezig’s measures
For his part, the Minister of Trade, Kamel Rezig, gave instructions to regulate the national market of consumer products and secure your supply. He also insisted on effective handling of citizens’ requests.
The ministry required that regular reports be compiled to monitor the availability of basic necessities. His department intends to implement a strategy to combat speculation and price manipulation.
Kamel Rezig, Minister of Trade and Export Promotion
This consists of announce the prices at the entrance to the wholesale markets of vegetables, fruits and meat on an electronic board. The measure will curb traders’ greed. In addition, a meeting took place between officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the President of the Union of Algerian Farmers; its theme was the preparation for the holy month of Ramadan.
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Both parties discussed the issue of market surveillance and the fight against speculation. It was also a question of mobilizing some 2 million traders in this operation in order to determine the quality, the prices and the degree of respect for the law in commercial practices. The daily El Khabar reports that K. Rezig chaired a coordination meeting with regional and wilaya directors.
