Government launches platform to track basic goods prices

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb launched a digital platform on Thursday to track daily prices and supplies of basic goods in every wilaya.

The platform covers all wilayas, so prices and availability of basic goods will be followed across the country.

Awras reported that the meeting was attended by the ministers concerned. The president of the National Chamber of Agriculture (CNA) and the president of the General Union of Algerian Traders and Craftsmen (UGCAA) also took part.

Representatives of farmers running small, medium and large farms, local farming bodies and owners of cold stores were also present.

The Prime Minister's services said the approach involves various players in the national supply chain through a transparent digital process. The platform aims to track the movement of goods and their availability, and to monitor prices at each stage of marketing.

The Prime Minister also renewed the commitment to implement instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on supporting genuine farmers and traders.

He also reminded the wali (governors of the wilayas) to take immediate legal and deterrent measures against attempts to create shortages, disrupt supplies or manipulate prices.

The measures are meant to protect citizens' purchasing power and keep the national market stable, Awras reported.

In October, President Tebboune announced the start of creating a state institution to control the market and help regulate prices.

The mechanism is based on buying farm products in plentiful seasons, storing them, and selling them again at reasonable prices in shortages.

President Tebboune said moving to a free economy does not mean the state gives up its role, and supply and demand will not be the only mechanism.