People rush into markets shortly before Ramadan

Algerians rushed into different popular markets and supermarkets on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan. Vegetables, meat and spices markets were crowded although prices were very high. As usual, people, retailers and wholesalers blame each other for increasing food prices. Yet, the commerce ministry does not control the situation.

Vegetables and meat prices were suddenly raised on Monday in a number of markets in Algiers. One kilo of chicken in Hussein Dey market was sold for 380 DZ.

“Chicken wholesale price was 240 DZ but it went up to 270 DZ in two days compared to 180 DZ, a few weeks ago,” Lakhdar, a chicken seller in the same market told Echorouk.

One kilo of red meat is sold at 1,400 DZ while beef is at 780 DZ.

Vegetables price also increased as one kilo of tomatoes is sold at 90 DZ. The same price was noticed for carrots and lettuce. Zucchinis price was 40 Z and onions at 50 DZ.

According to sellers at Hussein Dey market, prices decreased a little bit compared to last year. Tomatoes used to be sold at 140 DZ.

They said abundance and heat were behind vegetables stable price compared to last year.