Luxury time is over in Algeria
All it seems that the term « austerity » will not be limited in optimizing expenses but it will reach other aspects. Oil price fall pushed many administrations and authorities to “tighten the belt” without referring to written instructions.
Written measures touched equipment. The government stopped importing luxury furniture and cars.
Crisps, Milka and green apple in the black list?
The government has imposed more restrictions on importers since May. Reports released by customs show that green apple costs the government $110 million when imported from Spain.
600 cars come back to factory
The commerce and industry ministers said the government did not impose restriction on car importing. Yet, set criteria should be respected in importing.
According to car dealers, they are not allowed to import cars until 2016.
A letter sent to a car dealer shows that 600 Wolsvagen and 100 Fiat cars were brought back to factory.
No luxury furniture for executives … no pay raise at Air Algerie
Austerity also touched call for tenders to buy furniture and even cars equipment operations.
Sources at Air Algerie said that General Director Mohamed Abdou Bouderbala stopped a planned pay raise for his employees. The company’s profits were estimated at 100 billion centimes only in 2014.
Sonatrach examines the possibility of reducing investments, which were supposed to reach $90 billion in Jan-May.
Ali Bey Nacer: commercial balance is in its worst situation ever for 20 years
Chief of Importers’ National Association Ali Bey Nacer told Echorouk general economic situation in Algeria is bad in view of the commercial balance deficit.
He added that lorries importing bill costs the Public Treasury $2 billion per year. “This bill must be revised. Restrictions should also be imposed on buses and lorries. Oil crisis must be exploited to reduce imports and build a national strong industry.”
He also said the commercial balance deficit in Algeria this year is the worst ever for 20 years. “That needs serious measures.”