Algerian authorities are facing mounting pressure to address rising prices and protect citizens' purchasing power. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has emphasized the need to control prices, prompting trade unions and consumer groups to offer solutions. The Union générale des commerçants et artisans algériens (UGCAA) and El-Aman, the Association nationale pour la protection du consommateur, have proposed measures to accompany government efforts to stabilize prices.
The UGCAA has announced its readiness to work with the government to implement measures to control prices. Secretary-general Issam Badrissi stated that the organization is willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to establish a direct sales mechanism for certain products, such as potatoes, at a price not exceeding 80-90 Algerian dinars per kilogram. This initiative aims to target proximity markets, high-density areas, and regions experiencing shortages or significant price hikes.
The UGCAA's proposal may be extended to other fruits and vegetables, according to Badrissi. This move is expected to increase the availability of essential products and reduce prices. El-Aman, however, emphasizes that controlling prices requires a more comprehensive approach, focusing not only on final prices but also on distribution channels and price formation mechanisms.
El-Aman advocates for greater transparency, digitalization of commercial circuits, and the establishment of more structured and traceable distribution networks. The association has called for a national investigation into the formation of prices for widely consumed products, given the recent price hikes. This investigation should track price evolution from producers or importers to consumers, examining margins, intermediaries' roles, stock levels, and the impact of supply difficulties and speculation.
El-Aman also requests that the results of this investigation be made public. The association's proposals aim to identify areas where prices can be controlled and to promote fair trade practices. By shedding light on price formation, El-Aman hopes to contribute to a more transparent and equitable market.
The government's efforts to control prices are crucial to protecting citizens' purchasing power. With rising prices affecting many households, the authorities face a pressing challenge in balancing economic stability with social welfare. The proposals from the UGCAA and El-Aman demonstrate the willingness of trade unions and consumer groups to collaborate with the government in finding solutions.
The outcome of these initiatives remains to be seen, but they mark an important step towards addressing the issue of soaring prices in Algeria. As the government continues to navigate this complex challenge, the involvement of various stakeholders, including trade unions and consumer groups, will be essential in shaping effective solutions.
Key points
- The UGCAA proposes a direct sales mechanism for certain products at controlled prices.
- El-Aman advocates for a comprehensive approach to controlling prices, focusing on distribution channels and price formation mechanisms.
- A national investigation into price formation has been called for to identify areas where prices can be controlled.
