The introduction of Algeria's new road code, specifically law n° 26-09, has brought about a sudden surge in demand for vehicle extinguishers, resulting in a severe shortage and substantial price increases. As of May this year, the law requires all vehicles to be equipped with basic safety equipment, including an extinguisher, warning triangle, and reflective vest. The lack of these items can lead to a second-class offense, punishable by a 4,000 Algerian dinar fine.
Prior to the enforcement of the new regulations, vehicle extinguishers, typically weighing one or two kilograms, were readily available for around 2,000 Algerian dinars. However, due to the massive rush on purchases, prices have skyrocketed to between 6,000, 8,000, and even 12,000 dinars, depending on the vendor. This drastic price hike has left many motorists caught between the fear of receiving a fine and the reality of an overheated market.
Online platforms have become a hub for questionable practices, with numerous advertisements displaying attractive prices to lure customers, only to claim a sudden stock shortage and offer the equipment at significantly higher prices. Physical stores selling car parts and accessories report similar situations, with demand exploding but shelves remaining empty. Many retailers are hesitant to purchase new stock, fearing financial repercussions if the market were to stabilize rapidly.
Economic expert Dr. Hatem Harkati attributes the price surge to potential irregularities in the supply chain. He suggests analyzing the entire supply chain, including initial purchase prices from importers or local manufacturers, wholesale tariffs, logistical costs, and stock levels. According to Dr. Harkati, a price increase is not necessarily synonymous with speculation if supply costs have genuinely risen due to global or logistical scarcity. However, if the gap widens without a justified accounting explanation, intervention from control services becomes necessary.
Consumer protection associations are urging authorities to temporarily suspend sanctions related to vehicle extinguishers. Zaki Hariz, president of the Algerian Consumer Protection Federation, has directly appealed to the Interior and Transport Ministries to halt temporary verbalization related to vehicle extinguishers. Hariz emphasizes the preventive value of such a measure for road safety while highlighting the temporary discrepancy between the legal obligation and the market's capacity to respond.
The Algerian Consumer Protection Federation argues that imposing fines when the product is scarce or sold at unreasonable prices unfairly penalizes citizens. A temporary postponement of penalty enforcement would allow economic operators to replenish the market and stabilize prices at acceptable levels. For now, the obligation outlined in the new Road Code remains in effect, putting pressure on the extinguisher market.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities have yet to respond to the growing concerns of motorists and consumer protection associations. With many struggling to afford the mandatory safety equipment, it remains to be seen how the government will address the issue and alleviate the pressure on the market.
Key points
- The new Algerian road code requires all vehicles to be equipped with basic safety equipment, including an extinguisher, warning triangle, and reflective vest.
- The sudden surge in demand for vehicle extinguishers has led to a shortage and significant price increases, with prices rising from 2,000 to 12,000 Algerian dinars.
- Consumer protection associations are urging authorities to temporarily suspend sanctions related to vehicle extinguishers, citing the unfair penalty on citizens due to the product's scarcity and high prices.
