Trade Directorates Launch Broad Operation on Produce Prices
Algerian trade directorates, with the support of the gendarmerie and police services, have launched a widespread control operation across wholesale and retail markets. This initiative directly addresses the recent increases in fruit and vegetable prices, aiming to stabilize the market and ensure the consistent availability of products for consumers. This mobilization follows instructions from the Ministry of Commerce and National Market Regulation and aligns with President Tebboune's previous emphasis on preserving purchasing power, who noted that price hikes are largely due to speculation rather than agricultural producers.
The extensive control operations commenced with a primary focus on wholesale markets, often at dawn, with security services providing crucial assistance. Inspections have been carried out in various wilayas, including Tizi Ouzou, where agents, accompanied by the gendarmerie, visited the Frères Chaâbane wholesale market to verify supply, pricing, and storage conditions. Similarly, the Director of Commerce in Biskra oversaw the arrival of goods and distribution circuits at the Felliache wholesale market to prevent unjustified price increases. In Mila, agents from the territorial inspection office inspected the Magra regional wholesale market, controlling product arrivals, prices, and profit margins.
Beyond wholesale, the control efforts have extended to retail markets and specific products, notably potatoes. In Batna, controllers inspected fruit and vegetable retailers alongside police and gendarmerie, ensuring compliance with set prices. A mixed brigade in Khenchela, comprising agents from commerce, agriculture, police, and gendarmerie, visited the Ensigha wholesale market, where they informed traders of new potato price regulation measures and observed an abundant supply and stable provisioning. Further retail checks in Jijel focused on market supply and price display obligations, while in Oran, inspectors verified price adherence and hygiene standards, with necessary measures taken against non-compliant traders. These examples represent a part of a nationwide operation designed to regulate market practices and protect consumer interests.
