Algerian consumer protection associations are calling for enhanced regulation of the national market to address imbalances in the supply and pricing of consumer products. The associations recommend increased monitoring of commercial practices, development of digital tools for reporting irregularities, and better organization of agricultural distribution channels. These measures aim to limit market dysfunctions, ensure product availability, and protect citizens' purchasing power. The associations emphasize that effective market regulation requires a collective effort from public authorities, traders, producers, consumer associations, and citizens.
The associations propose a comprehensive approach combining strengthened on-site controls and the use of digital platforms to facilitate the reporting of complaints to competent services. This approach aligns with recent initiatives by the public authorities. On October 18, the President of the Republic ordered measures to ensure daily monitoring of prices and availability of essential products. These measures include regulating the activity of commercial intermediaries, storing agricultural surpluses, and strengthening control brigades.
A new digital platform, "Tawassol," has been launched by the Ministry of Interior Trade and Market Regulation to facilitate citizen participation in market regulation. The platform allows consumers to report various types of infractions, including price display issues, non-compliance with regulated tariffs, and hygiene and sanitary safety breaches. Users can also attach photos and videos and track the progress of their complaints. The ministry has guaranteed the confidentiality of personal information shared through the platform.
According to Kharib Khadir, Vice-President of the National Union for Consumer Protection, citizen participation is crucial in supporting the work of control services. He emphasizes the need to protect the personal data of individuals making reports and ensure serious handling of complaints. The effectiveness of the platform depends on its ease of use, clear procedures, and the ability for consumers to be informed about the outcome of their complaints.
The associations also stress the importance of reorganizing agricultural product distribution channels to ensure market stability. Kharib Khadir highlights the need to strengthen the role of public offices and specialized organisms in regulating agricultural sectors. This includes developing direct purchase mechanisms for harvests from farmers and breeders, based on quality criteria, quantities, and prices. Such an organization would help regulate commercialization channels and limit the multiplication of intermediaries that can increase prices.
The issue of reorganizing distribution channels is also a priority for public authorities. During an inter-ministerial meeting on October 20, the Prime Minister examined the modalities of integrating wholesale market mandatories into a daily monitoring system for prices and availability of essential products. Discussions focused on structuring commercialization and tracing products throughout the distribution chain.
The development of storage, conservation, and transformation infrastructure near major agricultural production areas is another essential lever. Kharib Khadir calls for encouraging public and private investments in creating agricultural product transformation units, cold chambers, and warehouses meeting conservation standards. These installations would help absorb surpluses recorded during periods of high production and limit losses due to crop deterioration.
Key points
- The Algerian government has ordered measures to ensure daily monitoring of prices and availability of essential products.
- A new digital platform, "Tawassol," has been launched to facilitate citizen reporting of market irregularities.
- The associations propose reorganizing agricultural product distribution channels to ensure market stability.
