As Ramadan approaches, during which the consumption of certain food products skyrockets, and with the prices of these same products, the authorities are increasing the number of declarations according to which prices will fall during the month of Muslim fasting, a promise rarely followed through on. The opposite is often the case.
This promise was made, again this year, during a press conference on Thursday, March 7, 2024, by the Director General of Competition and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Houssem Eddine Touiti, a few days before the start of Ramadan which should begin on March 11 or 12. According to the official, price levels in January and February had fallen by 28% compared to the same period last year. These declines are due to a 22% increase in the quantities of vegetables and fruits offered at the Bir El-Kasaa wholesale market during the first two months of this year, compared to the same period last year, a -he explained, adding that all measures have been taken to meet the growing demand expected during Ramadan, when consumption increases by almost 20% compared to the rest of the year.
The Commerce Department will strive to meet needs in this area and improve supply conditions, to deal with some bad consumer behavior, including queues in front of stores, the official stressed. He thus places the responsibility for the shortages plaguing the country not on the poor governance of the State, which monopolizes the importation and distribution of certain necessities (sugar, rice, wheat, tea, coffee, etc.) without being able to adequately supply the market, but to consumers who have nothing to do other than queue in front of poorly stocked displays.
According to Touiti, the ministry also works to ensure a balance between family consumption and that of professionals, by providing additional quantities of consumer products, in particular sugar used for the manufacture of traditional pastries, such as labia and mkhareq, which are very popular during Ramadan.
Director General of Internal Trade and Services Basma Trabelsi said that 25,000 tons of potatoes and 21,000 tons of pepper were injected into the market. Some 13,000 tonnes of tomatoes and 21,000 tonnes of peppers are also expected to be put on the market, in addition to 8,000 tonnes of leafy vegetables.
Supplies of citrus fruits, apples, and dates will be normal this month, she further clarified, specifying that 2,000 tonnes of bananas will be imported from Egypt, and the price per kilo will be set at 5 DT. These fruits will be sold in supermarkets and in points of sale from producer to consumer, she added, in other words in very limited points of sale in certain large cities, knowing that bananas are sold today at more than 13 dinars per kilo and it is unlikely that this price will drop during Ramadan.
The market will also be regularly supplied with sterilized semi-skimmed milk, Ms. Trabelsi also assured, stressing that daily sales of milk should reach 1.7 million liters.
The Tunisian Trade Office (OCT) will deliver 1,000 tons of sugar per day and 500 tons of coffee for domestic consumption per week, the official said, adding that 700 tons of rice will be distributed and 15,000 tons of Subsidized vegetable oil will be imported during March.
