Milk bags raise conflict between Sellal and Benbada

Algerian commerce minister Mustapha Benbada said replacing milk plastic gabs by cardboard boxes is not possible as present as it needs time and new technical equipment.

Benbada also said the ministry will increase milk production to cover shortage and the State will continue subsidizing it.

Earlier last week, the ministry opened an investigation to determine reasons behind the decrease of subsidized milk quantities intended to people of limited income.

This comes as Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal gave an instruction to instruction to stop using plastic bags and replacing them by cardboard boxes for health-related reasons.

Benbada said the real reasons behind milk shortage will be announced in a press conference due to be held on Saturday. He called on milk public group in Bir Khadem to not go on strike as that would hit consumers.

Speaking about Sellal’s instruction, he said it was misunderstood as the Prime Minister talked about an ecological problem. “We need to care for this point and the problem will be settled.”

The commerce minister’s remarks show that the government can not implement the instruction as milk producers will have to change all their equipment. That would increase milk production cost and its price in market while the State is committed to subsidize main products price including bread and milk.

Benbada believes that joining the World Trade Organization will not force Algeria to deal with the Zionist entity as it is committed to defend the Palestinian cause.