Officers seize 100 quintals of potatoes in Boumerdès

Control officers seized 100 quintals of potatoes in Boumerdès wilaya on Saturday, after finding that traders had broken the rules that apply to the product.

Awras reported that the potatoes were loaded on two trucks used to carry goods. Trade control officers from the regional trade inspectorate in Bordj Menaïel made the seizure, with security officers from the Bordj Menaïel daïra.

The seizure is part of daily checks on how potatoes are supplied and sold in the wilaya's markets. The checks follow the route potatoes take to market, to make sure that distribution follows the rules.

On Thursday, trade services in El M'Ghair seized 15 quintals of potatoes during a check on supplies and on fruit and vegetable prices. The seizure was made with security services, after potatoes were offered for sale at prices judged unsuitable.

Potato prices rose sharply in the days after the authorities decided to cap them. In three Algiers markets on Saturday, potatoes sold for between 160 and 200 dinars (DZD).

Some other markets also had a shortage of potatoes, despite the government's moves to organise the fruit and vegetable market.

For traders, potatoes that break the rules on supply or sale can be seized.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb warned anyone who tried to manipulate prices or harm the basic food of Algerians. He said the government would not tolerate these practices.