Not only have temperatures in Algeria soared this summer, but air conditioner prices have also seen an abnormal upswing.
Due to the intense heat experienced throughout July, Algerians have flooded into electronics stores in a rush to secure air conditioning units. This dramatic increase in demand has led retailers to significantly raise their prices.
In neighbourhoods like El Hamiz in the eastern suburbs of Algiers, known for its concentration of electronics stores, air conditioner prices skyrocketed overnight.
Taking advantage of the sweltering heat, retailers have exploited the situation by imposing exorbitant prices on customers who are eager to alleviate the effects of the heatwave.
With a touch of irony, Algerians have been commenting on social media, “Now it’s the air conditioner sellers’ turn to get rich.”
This Tuesday, Tayeb Zitouni, the Minister of Commerce and Export Promotion, questioned the reasons for the steep rise in air conditioner prices in Algeria, even going so far as to suggest a “conspiracy”.
“What led to the overnight increase in air conditioner prices by up to 25,000 dinars? What agreement was made to this effect? Who was involved?” Tayeb Zitouni pondered, seemingly unable to find an explanation for the price surge.
Air Conditioners in Algeria: Production Rises, So Do Prices The minister, having contacted national air conditioner manufacturers, said they produced 780,000 units that were sold on the market, nearly double the number produced in Algeria in 2022.
Tayeb Zitouni has vowed to crack down on the inexplicable and unjustified price hike of products like air conditioners.
“We will not back down, especially considering air conditioners are produced locally and even exported,” he declared.
The rise in air conditioner prices is even more perplexing given that, according to the minister, producers have reduced their prices by 8% for intermediaries.
“Some bloodsucking traders took the 8% discount from the producers, added it to their margin and then increased the price by an additional 20,000 to 30,000 dinars. We will pursue these people,” Tayeb Zitouni promised.
The phenomenon of sudden and unjustified price increases is affecting almost all areas of commercial activity in Algeria.
Algerians regularly face product price surges. Traders do not hesitate to hike prices whenever the opportunity arises.
Authorities are struggling to eradicate this increasingly alarming trend. While measures are awaited, citizens continue to bear the brunt of traders’ whims.