I have always wondered what (or who) really sets the prices for consumer goods and comodities within the Algerian market. The national press has a long-established moaning tradition about booming food prices (which usually sky-rocket in festive seasons such as Eid, Ramadan, Mawlid etc.). The poor Algerian consumer is always depicted as the powerless victim who doesn’t have enough spending power nor choice and is obliged to buy at whatever the selling price. The merchants are always the evil, merciless baddies who refuse to lend a helping hand to their brethren and sisteren compatriots (by selling their goods at cheaper prices) and the Algerian State is the pathetic useless tired old dog who cannot control anything and is unwilling to even try. These arguments when considered separately may seem coherent and sensible but when considered together they are devoid of any sense and are even contradictory!
First of all, how can the Algerian consumer be Continue reading
