Approaching Ramadan, Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development Announces Pilot Initiative to Direct Subsidized Oil to Those Who Need It Most
Tunis, February 2026 – As Ramadan draws near, Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid unveiled a new pilot program aimed at ensuring that subsidized cooking oil reaches its genuine beneficiaries. The operation will be carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs to sharpen social targeting and curb any diversion of the product.
How the Scheme Will Work
- The initiative will rely on the database created during the COVID‑19 pandemic and continuously updated by the Tunisian Union of Social Solidarity.
- This data set enables authorities to identify low‑income families with precision, ensuring that the oil subsidy is allocated only to households that truly qualify.
Strategic Food Reserves
Minister Abid also reassured the public that the strategic stocks held by the Office of Trade of Tunisia—particularly eggs and milk—are ample to meet market demand through the summer of 2026.
Red Meat Prices: Fact‑Checking the Rumors
Addressing circulating rumors about a sharp rise in red‑meat prices, the minister clarified that the information is inaccurate. He highlighted the efforts of the Ellouhoum Company to stabilise the market and expand retail points, thereby keeping prices in check.
Boosting Tunisian Exports
In parallel, the ministry continues its export‑promotion strategy through the Export Promotion Centre. The centre has outlined around sixty international actions designed to showcase Tunisia’s flagship products on the global stage.
The Core Measure for Ramadan 2026
The centerpiece of the government’s Ramadan plan remains the guarantee that subsidised oil will be prioritised for families who truly need it. This targeted approach aims to protect vulnerable households, reduce waste, and strengthen social cohesion during the holy month.
Keywords: Ramadan 2026, subsidized oil, Tunisia, low‑income families, social targeting, strategic food reserves, export promotion, Ellouhoum, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Social Affairs.
