Facing Soaring Prices and Speculators' Maneuvers, Importing Appears as a Risky Quick Fix
Successful experiences, such as date sales points managed by producers, show that local organization can reverse the trend. Between price capping, strengthened control, and market regulation, the battle against speculation remains open.
The Press — Why Did You Immediately Think of Importing to Counter Speculators and Foil Their Plans?
We believe that this is still just a proposal, as rushing into it would play into the hands of those who are waiting for it. In fact, if we take the example of dates, the establishment of sales points run by the producers themselves has completely changed the situation. Where we decided to organize these sales points, it was a total success. The prices set, with the agreement of the producers, encouraged consumption and caused the prices displayed by resellers to plummet, whether they operate in markets or open shops everywhere.
And this year, at least so far, we haven't heard a single date producer complain. Yet, the harvest was exceptional.
Olive oil, despite the occasional turmoil, seems to be on a viable path. Where is the problem, and what should we import?
In this regard, the sale of oil quantities at reasonable prices has been distorted by speculators who own their networks. This oil is offered at a higher price, which calls into question the entire strategy put in place.
The problem of red meat remains. We raised it some time ago, highlighting the Gordian knot that is choking this sector. And we drew attention to the fact that this sector is controlled by speculators who control butcher shops and, consequently, impose their prices. It is essential to put order in this sector, and the opening of a red meat sales point must be approved by the competent authorities.
Imagine what awaits the consumer in two months with Eid al-Adha. How much will a sheep cost if the current price per kilo is between sixty and seventy dinars?
At every alert, eyes turn to the Ellouhoum company. It turns out that its means of action are limited. It will put a certain quantity on sale, but this is insufficient to regulate the market. Indeed, by importing, we allow a few thousand families to taste this sacred red meat, but nothing will be resolved.
Speculation, on the other hand, has all the cards ready to confuse calculations, and control services cannot control everything.
There was a time when we struggled to control prices. We implemented price capping, not only for margins but also for sale prices. In fact, with the complicity of producers, speculation can establish invoices that meet needs. By adding the imposed margin, the consumer pays the price.
As long as this possibility plays into the hands of speculation, we should stop talking about price freedom. Moreover, why is there no price freedom for milk, pasta, bread, etc.? These products are subsidized by the state, but this does not prevent the consumer from buying bananas that have once again crossed borders to be displayed at prices between fifteen and twenty dinars. A kiwi costs two dinars, and a pineapple costs sixteen dinars. And people buy them. It's inexplicable.
To summarize, before talking about importing, we need to know what we want. This decision to import cannot be made on the eve of the expected consumption surge. When we have a knife to our throat, we do not negotiate; we give in. And, moreover, those who are waiting for this are ready to skin us alive.
Therefore, given that it is too late, it seems to us that we only have time to set up strictly controlled sales points by regional authorities. Points that need to be closely monitored to avoid the takeover by those who are waiting for this opportunity to monopolize everything.
This price surge could hardly last longer than half of the holy month. By experience, the desire that torments fasting people usually limits itself to this level. Everything will return to normal afterward, and the surge in vegetable prices, which we are trying to inflate, will be inevitable.
We might as well import products that we could order in complete tranquility, such as potatoes, without rushing and diving headfirst into rotten products, as was the case when we tried to act quickly to supposedly save the situation.
Listening to what is being said, the recent rains have destroyed a good part of the strawberry crops. Strawberries are on the market in good condition and in sufficient quantity. Speculators had an interest in driving up prices to make the fruit reach new heights.
Price capping seems to us to be the most urgent solution, provided that the end of its application is announced by a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and not decided by the corporation, which gives the impression of being infiltrated by speculators, always tempted to block products to impose their laws.
Large retailers? They can help sell white meat in bulk (we tend to respond to demand, and the quantity brought in is depleted) without cutting and packaging it in trays, which would increase prices in an unbearable way, given that price capping only concerns bulk products.
They can, in this case, help the consumer and contribute to the national effort deployed on the occasion of this holy month. For example, a kilogram of chicken drumsticks is sold in a large retailer for 16 dinars. It is true that it is nicely packaged in packaging. Unbelievable!
Ramadan Mubarak
Read also: Ramadan 2026: It's the buying frenzy that's driving up prices!
