Trade Regulation: Over 2.4 Million Field Inspections Conducted in Nine Months
The Ministry of Interior Trade has ramped up market oversight, carrying out over 2.4 million inspections in the first nine months of the year, a 19% increase compared to the previous year. Official Kamel Boukhadach stated that 167,000 commercial violations were recorded, while incidents of illicit speculation dropped by 58% due to deterrent sanctions. The rise in food prices was attributed to international market fluctuations, shipping costs, and the role of intermediaries in distribution networks. To ensure market stability, more than 7,000 agents have been deployed full-time to monitor prices and product compliance, following directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Efforts are also underway to review profit margins for red meat and manage import quotas ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Consumers are encouraged to report violations via the "Tawassol" digital platform for immediate intervention.