Algerian Govt Apologizes for Scarcity of Cooking Oil, Milk

An Algerian seller displays his goods (AFP)
An Algerian seller displays his goods (AFP)
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Algerian Govt Apologizes for Scarcity of Cooking Oil, Milk

An Algerian seller displays his goods (AFP)
An Algerian seller displays his goods (AFP)

Algerian Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane apologized to the public for the scarcity of widely consumed goods, especially oil and milk.

Benabderrahmane apologized to every house owner and homemaker who found it difficult to obtain some goods.

During the approval of the government's policy statement, Benabderrahmane told the parliament that all foodstuffs of vast consumption are sufficiently available, with a critical strategic stock of all products and commodities.

He explained that it is impossible to address the country's economic state without delving into the purchasing power of the citizens.

The Prime Minister stressed that he does not aim to justify the situation but instead provides an explanation to prevent any malicious attempts.

He asserted that the state would confront any attempts to use the current situation to push the state to import goods, which drained the capabilities of the people and the nation, stressing that all materials are available.

Benabderrahmane is likely referring to importers who allied themselves with traders to monopolize food products to increase their prices, according to some media outlets.

They claimed the state prevented them from importing the goods to implement its national plans.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution announced a significant war on those suspected of speculating on the prices of food products by placing them on the list of terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution announced it was combating speculative business in scarce foodstuffs, describing it as "acts of terrorism and organized crime."

The Public Prosecutor at the Sidi M'hamed Court confirmed that basic materials with vast consumption are witnessing an unjustified increase in prices in a way that affects the purchasing power of the citizen.

It announced that the growing phenomenon of illegal speculation in essential and widely consumed products is a deliberate crime that requires action.

The Prosecution requested the local prosecutors to address these issues at the Department of the Fight against Terrorism and Organized Crime level.

The Public Prosecution Office will submit petitions to impose severe penalties against all persons involved in these cases under the law.

However, the statement did not mention the products that were subjected to speculation in their prices.

Algerians noticed in recent days the disappearance of cooking oil from large commercial stores and all shops selling food products.

In recent months, the market has also witnessed a lack of many goods and products due to the suspension of their import.

Amid current developments, the government seems determined to deal with traders who monopolize oil to raise its prices.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune previously encouraged judges to impose harsh penalties on speculators.



UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
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UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.