The Algerian authorities have initiated a stock release of 4,000 quintals of potatoes in the Tizi-Ouzou province to regulate prices and prevent speculation. This move comes in response to a surge in demand from consumers anticipating a lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, which had driven up potato prices. The release aims to stabilize the market and ensure a steady supply of potatoes.
Local retailers in Tizi-Ouzou collected potatoes from the Draa Ben Khedda cold storage facility, which has a capacity of 7,400 cubic meters. The potatoes were sold to them at 38 Algerian dinars (DA) per kilogram, and they were required to resell at a maximum of 45 to 50 DA per kilogram. According to commercial operators, this measure is expected to help control prices and meet consumer demand.
Yaker Hocine, the owner of the Draa Ben Khedda cold storage facility, assured that his structure is at the disposal of citizens. He confirmed that potatoes would be sold directly to citizens at 38 DA per kilogram. Initially, the stored potatoes were intended for export to Canada but were redirected to meet local demand.
Laib Makhlouf, Director of Agricultural Services (DSA), attended the launch of the stock release operation. He emphasized that the initiative aims to regulate potato prices, which had risen significantly in recent days, reaching 150 DA per kilogram in some stores. Makhlouf warned that reselling potatoes above 45 DA per kilogram would be considered fraudulent and subject to sanctions.
To ensure compliance with price regulations, inspection teams have been deployed across the province. Makhlouf reassured citizens that potatoes and other fruits and vegetables are readily available. He encouraged citizens to report any instances of price gouging or irregularities.
According to market observations, potato prices in Tizi-Ouzou and other localities had fluctuated between 50 and 60 DA per kilogram. With the release of 4,000 quintals of potatoes, authorities expect prices to stabilize and eventually decrease further with the upcoming harvest of seasonal potatoes in about a month.
The released potatoes had been stored for two months at the Draa Ben Khedda facility. The operation is part of the government's efforts to manage the impact of COVID-19 on food prices and availability. By making potatoes more accessible and affordable, authorities aim to alleviate some of the pressure on local consumers.
Key points
- The Algerian government released 4,000 quintals of potatoes to stabilize prices in Tizi-Ouzou province.
- Potatoes were sold to retailers at 38 DA per kilogram and resold at a maximum of 45 to 50 DA per kilogram.
- The release aims to regulate prices and prevent speculation amid COVID-19-related demand surges.
