The Algerian Potato Paradox: High Production Amid Market Shortages

Algeria is currently facing a significant scarcity of potatoes, with the product vanishing from shelves in various cities. In some instances, it is being sold covertly for as much as 230 DA per kilogram. This situation stems from a government policy capping retail prices at 80-90 DA, which merchants reject as they procure supplies from wholesalers at higher costs. This creates a striking paradox for a nation that ranks 17th globally, producing 4.6 million tons annually, making it the second-largest producer in Africa and the Arab world. Despite production doubling over the past two decades due to agricultural expansion in the south, the lack of adequate storage facilities and underdeveloped processing industries leads to severe price volatility during the transition periods between harvests.