Subsidized Vegetable Oil Situation in Tunisia Remains Concerning
The sector’s professionals continue to warn that supply is still far below demand, even after recent injections of product into the market.
Jamel El Orf, spokesperson for the professional group of subsidized oil within the CONECT (National Confederation of Tunisian Enterprises), said on Friday that the volumes distributed “are not adequate” and remain insufficient to meet consumer needs. He emphasized that this issue still represents a nationwide problem.
Speaking on Jawhara FM, El Orf detailed that roughly 11,000 tons of subsidized oil were injected into the market during January and February, under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and the National Oil Office. He noted that these quantities are still unable to close the structural supply gap.
Key Points
- Supply‑Demand Gap: Current distribution volumes do not match the market’s demand.
- Recent Injection: 11,000 tons added in Jan‑Feb 2024, overseen by the Ministry of Trade and the National Oil Office.
- Structural Deficit: The added stock is insufficient to resolve the chronic shortfall.
Calls for Action
Facing persistent tensions, El Orf urges:
- Stronger Controls: Tighten oversight of distribution channels to curb abuses.
- Raw‑Material Security: Ensure a steady supply of raw inputs to guarantee continuous production.
- Urgent Government Meeting: Convene an emergency session with the Secretary of State for SMEs to identify rapid solutions to a crisis that continues to erode Tunisian purchasing power.
“We need immediate, coordinated measures to protect consumers and stabilize the market,” El Orf concluded.
Keywords: subsidized vegetable oil, Tunisia, supply shortage, market deficit, raw material security, government intervention, consumer purchasing power.
