Potato prices top 150 dinars a kilogram

Retail potato prices in Algeria have risen above 150 dinars (DZD) a kilogram, and potatoes have almost disappeared from shops for more than a week, TSA reported.

The government has set a price cap of 90 dinars, so prices are now well above the limit. Producers say the crisis has several causes, including higher production costs, the weather and smaller planted areas.

A farmer from the Aflou area told Ennahar TV that he sold potatoes last year for 30 dinars a kilogram, and sometimes 25 dinars. The farmer said farm prices are now between 60 and 80 dinars a kilogram.

"It is the law of supply and demand," the farmer told Ennahar TV.

The farmer said low prices last year led producers to plant less. Farmers who planted 40 hectares last year planted only 20 hectares this year, and some grew no potatoes at all.

The area fell by more than 50%.

He said excessive heat this year has also hurt production. Fertiliser prices rose twice this season, including fertiliser bought from state offices, and some pesticides cannot be found.

Another farmer from the Aflou area said:

"When potatoes are sold at 50 dinars, it is over. It is like charity, and the farmer earns nothing."

This farmer said he sells his potatoes at markets for 65 to 85 dinars a kilogram, depending on quality. He said that when large quantities enter the market, prices fall, and when available quantities drop, prices rise.

On Sunday, at a cabinet meeting, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced ten measures for a far-reaching reform of Algerian agriculture. On Thursday, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb promised to use all means to track down speculators.

The authorities have started destocking operations, releasing stored potatoes, in recent days to ease the shortage. Supplies from the El Oued region are expected in about two weeks, and the market should become stable after they arrive.