2023-12-14 10:05:20
The life of the Tunisian citizen is becoming more and more difficult because of his purchasing power which is declining significantly. Add to this the high cost of living and the blatant lack of the majority of basic foodstuffs. Faced with this unacceptable and unassimilable situation, which is getting worse day by day, we contacted Mr. Ridha Chiba, international export advisor, to explain to us the reasons for this complex economic and social situation which has lasted too long. Interview.
Why does the milk shortage still persist?
At first glance, it remains imperative to remember that these essential products, which are strategic products, must be managed and scrupulously controlled by the State and not by individuals who only act in a pragmatic and profitable manner.
The announced shortage of milk remains aberrant and illusory as long as the main derivatives of this material exist on the market, especially since this commodity has always been present in cafes and among the manufacturers who use it.
This shortage results from a surge in the price of fodder which is becoming increasingly scarce. The rise in the world price of animal feed and the drought in the country have worsened the situation. These are the arguments put forward by certain stakeholders in this sector.
Indeed, the most logical explanation and which justifies this shortage essentially remains the following two reasons, namely: the options taken by manufacturers to opt for many dairy derivatives such as yogurts of different kinds and similar to the detriment of dairy production so-called because of its exorbitant cost, in order to sell better and make more profits.
The second reason is the illegal circuits used in the distribution of milk, namely the parallel circuit with certain neighboring countries where a large significant part of the milk production is transported there.
Likewise, the distribution of milk across the country is far from correct.
Instead of transporting it to retailers as before, distributors sell it to other operators such as cafes, cafeterias, pastry shops with high prices and, lastly, they sell it to grocers and retailers, which constitutes a fraudulent maneuver contrary to the law.
Due to the unavailability of sugar, several units experienced various difficulties, sometimes going so far as to suspend their activities. Can you enlighten us on this shortage?
The country is facing a major sugar shortage which has seriously affected citizens and even more so the various industrial sectors exploiting this material. This crisis has caused various difficulties for several companies, sometimes going so far as to suspend their activities for a certain time due to the unavailability of sugar.
First of all, this sugar shortage is explained by the fact that the sugar factory in Béja, which might supply the entire local market, remains in a very difficult situation and has stopped production on several occasions. In my opinion, a renewal of equipment might improve production capacity and enable coverage of the country’s needs.
Likewise, the necessary supply of raw sugar remains a sine qua non condition for resuming normal company activity.
In addition to this critical situation, it should also be emphasized that the quantities of sugar imported are insufficient to meet the needs of end consumers of this essential foodstuff.
We note, in this regard, that a large quantity of subsidized sugar is illicitly channeled to users other than the needy with high prices, which constitutes a serious attack on food security in Tunisia.
What are the origins of the shortage of subsidized oil?
Subsidized oil remains a vital need for poor categories in Tunisia. However, we note that it has completely disappeared from the normal circuit, that is to say that it is no longer found in the usual points of sale. This has obviously created a shortage felt by the middle class who find it very difficult to obtain it.
This basic and strategic product imported by the Commerce Office is very poorly distributed. In fact, certain intermediaries sell it illegally to other users who do not have the right to consume it, such as restaurants or even certain manufacturers.
This is in addition to neighborhood grocers who require packaged sales. In short, you have to use a whole stratagem to get served.
Certainly, these maneuvers cause great discomfort to the deprived categories of the Tunisian population who are still waiting to benefit from them.
In your opinion, what procedures should be undertaken to stop this ordeal?
In order to resolve the problem of the sugar shortage, the State must absolutely ensure the resumption of the Béja factory in the best conditions and with an optimal load plan as quickly as possible, purchase the raw sugar necessary to be able to supply the local market.
Also, the State must encourage, as much as possible, the cultivation of beets as in the past, by granting subsidies to farmers who adhere to these guidelines, which allows the factory to operate easily and avoid stock shortages. or cessation of production.
For other actions to be undertaken, they must be much more serious and supported, where appropriate, by dissuasive power.
The State must further encourage sales in accordance with normal circuits throughout the year and in all regions of the country. He must also supervise the distribution circuits from the start to the final consumers.
In addition, the competent authorities must control minu
carefully the stock statements of all stakeholders throughout the distribution circuit and the list of wholesalers and retailers and their storage and sales conditions without forgetting to fight once morest price increases to put an end to this charade of which we do not see the end of the tunnel.
Do you agree that public authorities must fight unwaveringly and relentlessly once morest corruptors, speculators, impostors and criminals to resolve supply and shortage problems?
Food shortages are unacceptable. The State, through all its administrative mechanisms, must fight unwaveringly once morest outlaws.
It must also impose anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures if it considers that any product is dumped when its export price to Tunisia is lower than that of the product in the exporting country or lower to its production cost to put an end to such a practice aimed at selling cheaper than local sellers to better penetrate the Tunisian market unfairly.
This aims to re-establish fair conditions of competition. when foreign producers benefited from targeted subsidies granting them an advantage over Tunisian producers.
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