Ministry opens online platform to report price violations

The Ministry of Internal Trade and Market Regulation has launched Tawassol (Consumer Voice), an online platform where citizens can report price violations and shortages of everyday goods across Algeria.

Users can report prices that are not displayed, prices that ignore set or capped levels, and breaches of hygiene rules. Reports on shortages of widely used goods across the country are also accepted.

The platform is available at tawassol.commerce.gov.dz. The ministry said in a statement, according to Awras, that the platform aims to strengthen communication between consumers and the ministry.

It also aims to improve consumer protection and the way trade is conducted.

The platform also has a space for information requests, where citizens and businesses can get guidance, and a section with advice on consumer awareness.

A second platform for monitoring

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb launched a separate digital platform to track daily prices of basic consumer goods and their availability across the country’s wilayas.

Ghrieb said the platform would allow daily price monitoring and quick government action to supply the market and keep prices stable. The launch took place at a joint ministerial meeting, with some governors joining by video conference.

“We will not allow any manipulation of the Algerian citizen’s basket at any level,” he said.

Tracking produce from field to consumer

Ghrieb said the aim was not to impose invoicing. The government wants to know how much is planted, harvested and left, the prices farmers sell at and who buys the produce.

This would allow products to be followed from fields to wholesale markets and on to consumers. He asked the wali of each wilaya to work with farming, domestic trade and security services.

Cold stores and free storage areas must be kept under constant monitoring, he said. He also said farm output and advance import operations would be monitored, to ensure supply and avoid shortages.

Ghrieb also warned that some people claim farmer status without actually farming, and said genuine farmers would have nothing to fear from providing information.

He also said operators could not benefit from state support for electricity, water or seeds and then sell goods at prices that burden citizens.

Ghrieb said that implementing these measures may face resistance from some parties. He added that anyone who refuses to provide the information requested, or tries to block the process, will bear responsibility.

Ghrieb said the government would use all legal means available to fight speculation and price manipulation.

The ministry said its mobile app would be available soon.