Algeria's Ministry of Interior Trade and National Market Regulation is mobilizing more than 53,000 traders to ensure a continuous supply of essential goods and widely consumed services during the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The initiative is part of a full national continuity program, meticulously planned to address the increased demand typically observed during religious holidays. This extensive effort aims to meet citizens' needs without interruption throughout the holiday period, guaranteeing availability and accessibility of vital products and services.
Extensive Trader Mobilization
The program encompasses a significant number of commercial entities across various sectors. Specifically, it includes 6,602 bakeries, key for daily bread supply, and 28,663 traders specializing in general food supplies, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring fresh produce and pantry staples are readily available. Additionally, 17,905 operators in diverse sectors, including tire repair services, have been brought into the fold to cover a wide range of consumer requirements. Kamal Boukhadash, Central Director at the Ministry of Interior Trade and National Market Regulation, elaborated on the scope, stating, "The program includes 6,602 bakeries, 28,663 traders active in general food supplies, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to 17,905 operators in various sectors, including tire repair services, ensuring the continuity of providing various essential services during the Eid period." This broad mobilization shows the Ministry's commitment to full service provision.
To further enhance market supply and production capacity, 541 production units have been mobilized, alongside 195 dairies to maintain dairy product availability, and 46 mineral water production units to cater to hydration needs. Mr. Boukhadash added, "541 production units have been mobilized to enhance market supply, in addition to 195 dairies and 46 mineral water production units, in anticipation of the high demand witnessed by the market during this occasion." Complementing these efforts, the Ministry, in coordination with agricultural services, has established a special program covering 47 wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables across various Algerian wilayas. This strategic coverage of wholesale markets is designed to ensure a steady and ample flow of agricultural products from producers to retailers, thereby stabilizing prices and preventing shortages at the consumer level throughout all regions of the country.
Enforcement and Oversight
To ensure adherence to the planned program and continuous activity during the Eid days, a strong enforcement mechanism has been put in place. A total of 2,684 control officers have been deployed across the country, tasked with monitoring the mobilized traders and ensuring compliance with the directives. Kamal Boukhadash, Central Director at the Ministry of Interior Trade and National Market Regulation, stated that supervision services will implement stringent measures against non-compliant traders. Mr. Boukhadash affirmed, "Supervision services will take legal and administrative measures against violators, including issuing judicial reports and imposing penalties that may reach administrative closure of commercial establishments until their situation is rectified." These decisive measures aim to ensure that businesses maintain their operations as specified throughout the holiday period, upholding market integrity and consumer trust.
Digital Tools for Citizens
The Ministry of Interior Trade and National Market Regulation also announced the expansion of its digital application, 'Your Permanent Companion', for the continuity system. This expansion introduces new features designed to empower citizens year-round, extending its utility beyond holiday periods. Users of the application can now report violations directly, enhancing oversight and accountability by enabling real-time feedback from the public. Additionally, the updated version allows citizens to view the full list of traders on duty across various wilayas, facilitating access to essential services during holiday periods and beyond. This feature provides transparency and convenience, allowing consumers to easily locate operational businesses. The application's enhancements aim to provide greater transparency and convenience for consumers, while also supporting the Ministry's efforts to ensure market stability and compliance with trade regulations throughout Algeria, further strengthening the relationship between consumers and regulatory bodies.
