Consumer protection advocate, Mustapha Zebdi, head of the National Organization for Consumer Protection, has issued a message to traders on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, addressing key issues related to consumer rights and market practices in Algeria. In an interview with *Sabq Press*, Zebdi lauded the recently issued joint ministerial decree concerning the standards and conditions for the sale of fruits and vegetables in markets, highlighting its potential to improve consumer experiences. Zebdi acknowledged the abundance of widely consumed goods during Ramadan, while also addressing the significant price increases observed in certain products, particularly potatoes. He emphasized the importance of market stability and called for further investigation into the factors contributing to price fluctuations.He also discussed the duty roster system implemented by the Ministry of Internal Trade and Market Regulation during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Zebdi directed a message to traders, warning against attempts to circumvent penalties for non-compliance with the duty roster, which ensures essential services remain available to the public during the holiday.Furthermore, Zebdi praised the Ministry of Internal Trade’s newly launched mobile application, hailing it as a “positive step” towards engaging consumers in monitoring trader activity during Eid and national holidays. This application empowers consumers to report irregularities and contribute to a more transparent and regulated market.Regarding the new joint ministerial decree, Zebdi expressed optimism about its potential to address existing market irregularities. He noted that while a previous decree from the 1990s existed, it lacked the necessary precision to prevent issues such as the sale of substandard produce. The new decree, involving the Ministries of Trade, Agriculture, Industry, and Interior, aims to establish clear technical specifications for fruits and vegetables sold in markets, aligning them with international standards.Zebdi expressed a desire for the immediate implementation of the new decree, but acknowledged that it will take effect in one year. In the interim, he urged strict adherence to the existing 1990s decree. He emphasized the importance of protecting consumer interests and ensuring that fruits and vegetables meet quality standards, moving away from practices driven solely by short-term profit.Zebdi concluded by acknowledging the abundance of essential goods during Ramadan this year, a significant improvement compared to previous years. While recognizing price fluctuations in certain products, he expressed hope that these issues will be addressed in the future to ensure greater price stability for consumers. He complimented the improved organization of essential product availability, setting a positive tone for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.Related:
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Written by Noor Eleslam
