Algeria implements new measures to regulate food prices and market availability

The Algerian government is intensifying efforts to control food prices and ensure the availability of essential goods. Following directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb has led interministerial meetings to integrate market operators into a new daily monitoring mechanism for consumer products.

Key initiatives include the creation of a public establishment tasked with purchasing agricultural products during periods of abundance to stock and release them during shortages. The Ministry of Internal Commerce and Market Regulation has also reported significant enforcement actions, noting over two million inspections and 150,000 infractions recorded in the first eight months of 2026, involving an estimated 17 billion dinars in illegal commercial practices.

To enhance transparency, the ministry is launching a unified digital platform to monitor price fluctuations and detect abnormal increases. This system will allow for data analysis and corrective measures, while digital applications will enable citizens to report unjustified price hikes. Additionally, authorities are developing mechanisms to cap the prices of essential items such as meat, vegetables, and legumes.