Vegetable prices skyrocket in Algeria

Fruit and vegetables price remarkably increased in Algeria. The price of potatoes which are the most consumed vegetables jumped to more than 100 DZ a kilo. The General Union of Algerian Traders and Craftsmen says production is reduced while the Association for Protecting Consumers believes that there is monopoly over cold rooms.

Potatoes price beat the record Monday by exceeding 100 DZ a kilo compared to 60 DZ in the last few days. Tomatoes piece also went up by 50 percent to 80 DZ, onions to 60 DZ, carrots to 60 DZ, peppers to 180 DZ and zucchinis to 130 DZ.

Fruit price also increased as bananas were sold at 180 DZ a kilo, grapes at 300 DZ, apples at 280 DZ and mandarins to 250 DZ.

According to the General Union of Algerian Traders and Craftsmen, the price rise is due to the shortage of production and bad management of storage.

Chairman of the Association for Protecting Consumers Mustapha Zebdi said the main reason is the monopoly over cold rooms.

“Cold rooms were late to market potatoes. There is a lobby of cold room owners who control market pieces,” he told Echorouk on Monday.

“Lentils price increased by 50 percent and the Beans National Office did not react,” he added.

He also said lettuce is sold at more than 120 DZ a kilo in big cities while it is given for free in some provinces in western Algeria to feed cattle.