Consumer products: “There is not lack, but problem with distribution networks”

By: Hana Saada

ALGIERS– The Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, said, Monday in Algiers, that his sector was working to review the distribution networks of basic consumer products to improve market supply.

Guest of the Algerian Radio Forum, Mr. Zitouni specified that “the stocks are sufficient to cover the needs of the market”, stressing that “there is not a lack of consumer products, but a problem with the networks of distribution, which must be developed and organised”.

He added that his ministerial department was working on revising the distribution map of many basic consumer products, taking into account the needs and specificities of each region in order to avoid any disruption in distribution.

The minister warned speculators who harm Algerian consumers, recalling the penalties provided for against them in the law on the fight against illicit speculation.

The Minister also stressed the importance of local markets open on the occasion of the month of Ramadan at the rate of one or two markets per administrative district, which, he said, “contributes to bringing citizens’ basic consumer goods at competitive prices”.

“This initiative aims to break the monopoly and control prices,” said Mr. Zitouni who reported on the organization of these markets throughout the year if necessary.

On the points of sale of red meat at the capped price of 1200 DA / kg, Mr. Zitouni recalled that the public authorities have imported 10,000 head of cattle for slaughter and 20,000 tons of fresh meat in order to put an end to soaring prices. However, there has been a delay in the distribution of these meats to all regions of the country, the minister noted.