Price Hikes in Tunisian Markets During Ramadan Attributed to Consumer Frenzy
According to Fathi Ben Khalifa, economic advisor to the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP), the price increases observed in Tunisian markets during the month of Ramadan are primarily due to consumer buying frenzy.
In an interview on Jawhara FM on Monday, Ben Khalifa stated that all food and consumer products remain available on the market, despite the price increases noted in some stores. He claimed that some merchants are taking advantage of citizens' eagerness to buy in large quantities, contributing to an artificial price hike. The economic advisor therefore called on consumers to moderate their purchases, especially during Ramadan, in order to reduce pressure on the market and preserve their purchasing power.
To address this situation, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development has implemented a specific control program. This mechanism aims to prevent monopolistic practices, speculation, and all forms of abuse that could harm the market and consumers, in anticipation of the sacred month when demand increases sharply.
Ben Khalifa emphasized that the vigilance of the authorities and the responsibility of consumers are essential to ensuring access to products and maintaining price stability during Ramadan.
