Economic Control Teams Record Nearly 3,400 Violations in the First Five Days of Ramadan
The Economic Control Units of the Ministry of Trade and Export Development have documented almost 3,400 economic infractions during the first five days of Ramadan – roughly 650 violations per day nationwide, according to Samir Khalfaoui, Director of Economic Research at the ministry.
Main Types of Violations
| Category | Typical Offences |
|---|---|
| Price hikes | Unjustified increases in the cost of essential goods and regulated agricultural products |
| Monopolistic practices | Refusal to sell, conditional sales, failure to display prices (lack of transaction transparency) |
| Subsidy manipulation | Seizure of subsidised grain derivatives, tampering with the subsidy system |
Seizures and Confiscations
- 35 tonnes of subsidised grain derivatives
- 30 cases of subsidy‑system manipulation
- 5.4 tonnes of fruits and vegetables, including 800 kg of smuggled bananas
- 12 805 eggs
- 2 489 L of subsidised vegetable oil
- 840 cans of tomato preserves
- 7.7 tonnes of sugar
- 3 122 packs of tobacco
Enforcement Activity
- 14 000+ on‑site inspections carried out by 450 control teams
- Coverage spans all distribution channels and points of sale
Khalfaoui highlighted that the rise in market participants, especially seasonal traders, demands stronger surveillance and an expansion of intervention zones.
Preventive Programme for Price Stability
A preventive programme has been launched to safeguard prices throughout the holy month, encompassing:
- Production
- Storage
- Transport
- Distribution
Permanent control cells have been set up in markets to monitor these stages continuously.
Wholesale Price Ceilings
- Dry onion
- Bell pepper
- Tomato
- Potato
Retail Margin Limits
- Retail outlets: maximum 25 % profit margin (down from 35 %)
- Commercial surfaces: maximum 15 % profit margin (down from 35 %)
Emerging Issues
- Leafy‑green vegetables have seen sharp price spikes in some outlets.
- This is attributed to control efforts being concentrated on staple foods and fresh agricultural products that most affect purchasing power.
Consumer Assurance
Khalfaoui reassured the public that subsidised products remain available: current stocks can meet consumption needs for more than two months. Additional supplies are overseen by the Tunisian Office of Trade, especially for coffee, sugar, tea, and rice.
- Note: Occasional shortages still stem from monopolistic practices. Consumers are urged to report any stock‑out situations to enable swift intervention.
Bread and Agricultural Products
- No shortage of bread or agricultural goods has been detected.
- Authorities have injected extra flour to curb speculation and prevent monopoly formation.
Fruit and Vegetable Market Update
- Vegetable supply improved after the end of the structural deficit period.
- Fruits—particularly citrus and apples—remain abundant, with varied yet affordable prices across markets.
For further updates on market stability and consumer rights during Ramadan, stay tuned to the Ministry of Trade and Export Development’s official communications.
