The Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, provided, during a plenary session of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, clarifications on the rise in prices of vegetables, fruits, and poultry meat, as well as on the disruptions observed in the supply of certain products.
A delay in resumption after Eid al-Fitr
The minister indicated that one of the main causes of this rise lies in the delayed resumption of activity by some producers after the Eid al-Fitr holidays. This situation has directly affected the pace of market supply, particularly over the past week.
He noted, however, that the situation is beginning to improve gradually this week, with a return to a normal flow of products to wholesale markets, notably for basic staples such as potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. According to him, quantities have returned to their usual levels.
A seasonal transition period marked by low production
Samir Abid also explained that the current period corresponds to a phase known as the “transition between seasons,” generally characterized by a decline in production. The available supply relies essentially on early crops and greenhouse productions, which limits volumes on the market.
A decline in production and decisive weather-related uncertainties
The minister added that the quantities produced this year are lower than those of the previous year. He notably cited strong climate disruptions affecting several agricultural regions, which directly impacted the volumes of vegetables, fruits, and poultry meat available on the markets.
He however assured that the supply pace should return to normal starting in May, with the improvement of production and climatic conditions.
The price ceiling mechanism deemed ineffective
Moreover, the minister acknowledged that the price ceiling mechanism did not yield the expected results, especially after Eid al-Fitr, highlighting persistent difficulties in controlling prices and stabilizing the market.
