A large quantity of bananas was seized on Sunday, March 16, at the port of Annaba, in eastern Algeria, amid a shortage of bananas on the market and an unprecedented surge in prices since the beginning of Ramadan.
The operation, conducted jointly by customs and police, resulted in the interception of 34 containers stored within the port, according to several Algerian media outlets.
An investigation was ordered, along with the transfer of the seized bananas to the state-owned Agrodiv group.
“All these containers will be seized,” declared an Algerian official, referring to an attempt at illegal speculation, severely punished by Algerian law.
The fruit, widely consumed during the month of fasting, has become virtually impossible to find in many cities across the country.
Its price has doubled, reaching 800 dinars per kilogram, or approximately €5.70, compared to around 400 dinars before Ramadan.
Cases of discreet sales to privileged customers have also been reported, despite high prices.
On March 10, 27 quintals of bananas were seized at the Htatba wholesale market in Tipaza Province.
The high volatility surrounding bananas, even though they are considered a regulatory commodity in the fruit sector, highlights the tensions in import and distribution networks.
SL/te/fss/as/APA