Algerian Trade Minister Announces Exceptional Measures to Secure Ramadan Food Supply
Algeria – 21 February 2026 – Samir Abid, Minister of Trade and Export Development, unveiled a comprehensive package of “exceptional” actions aimed at controlling prices and guaranteeing a steady market supply throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The plan, presented during a hearing before the Commission on Industry, Trade, Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment, targets both traditional distribution channels and large‑scale retail outlets.
Key Elements of the Ramadan Supply Strategy
| Sector | Measures | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Price Controls | • Freeze on regulated staple‑product prices • Temporary capping of profit margins |
Stabilises consumer costs during peak demand |
| Profit‑Margin Caps | • Automatic, consensual price caps • Mandatory discounts granted by traders |
Encourages fair competition and protects buyers |
| Direct‑to‑Consumer Sales | • Strengthening of fixed and mobile producer‑to‑consumer points • Preferential tariffs for these outlets |
Improves market transparency and reduces middle‑man costs |
| Seafood | • Capped profit margins due to winter‑season supply drop | Keeps fish and shellfish affordable despite lower catches |
| White Meats | • Planned production: 13 500 t of chicken, 6 500 t of turkey • Slaughterhouses hold ≈ 1 230 t of own stock for emergencies |
Ensures ample supply for households and restaurants |
| Red Meats | • Focus on national production and Société des Viandes retail points • Limited, case‑by‑case imports allowed |
Prevents price spikes while preserving local industry |
| Subsidised Bread | • Exceptional flour allocations for the first week of Ramadan and the Eid period | Guarantees availability of affordable staple bread |
| Coffee | • Household‑consumption share raised from 30 % (Jan 2026) to 50 % • Additional 150 t of packaged coffee injected in February |
Meets rising domestic demand |
| Sugar | • Targeted programmes to boost supply for families and artisans • ≈ 32 000 t scheduled for February‑March |
Avoids shortages during high‑consumption weeks |
| Fruits & Vegetables | • Mobilisation of ≈ 95 000 t of seasonal produce • Stockpiles of 120 000 t of dates and apples |
Winter harvest expected to cover total consumption |
| Eggs | • Production of ≈ 165 million eggs (Feb‑Mar) • Supplemented by > 18 million eggs from regulation reserves |
Addresses surge in demand during Ramadan |
Strategic Priorities
- National Production First – Imports will be considered only in exceptional cases.
- Support the Local Market – Emphasis on domestic supply chains, especially in popular and rural zones.
- Balance Household & Professional Consumption – Ensure both families and food‑service businesses have access to essential goods.
- Optimise Stock Management – Maintain adequate reserves and rapid mobilisation capabilities.
Minister Abid stressed that the combined approach—price freezes, margin caps, direct‑sale incentives, and strategic stock allocations—will protect Algerian consumers from price volatility and guarantee that essential foods remain affordable and readily available throughout Ramadan and the subsequent Eid celebrations.
