Algeria Focuses on Price Stability, Key Infrastructure Works

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, chaired a Council of Ministers meeting on 18 October 2026. The session focused on three primary areas: a proposed mechanism for daily monitoring of essential consumer goods prices and availability, progress concerning the mining railway line and mining wharf as part of the Annaba port expansion, and draft direct-negotiation contracts for connecting the outfalls of new seawater desalination plants.

Regarding consumer prices, President Tebboune issued a series of immediate directives. These include the drafting of legislation to strictly regulate the activities of intermediaries operating between producers and citizens. Additionally, the President tasked the Prime Minister with initiating an immediate investigation. This inquiry will examine the role of certain importers in monopolizing imported meat and consequently increasing its prices, as well as butchers selling imported meat at local meat prices. The investigation will also scrutinize the price variations observed among butcher shops across different provinces and neighborhoods.

Significant progress was also noted on major infrastructure initiatives. The Council reviewed developments related to the mining railway line and the associated mining wharf, which are integral components of the Annaba port expansion project. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the drafting of direct-negotiation contracts for establishing connections for the outfalls of newly constructed seawater desalination plants, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance water security. (Reporting by Omar Tadrist.)