Tunisia: Protests mean a rise in the price of poultry, eggs

Unions in Tunisia have warned that the wave of repeated price increases and a fall in purchasing power amid a severe economic crisis could lead to protests that the authorities may not be able to control, reports state.

Consecutive increases in the price of fuel

Adding to the situation was a 5% increase in the price of fuel last month – the 3rd increase this year. Local fuel prices will rise every month this year by no less than 3%, an official in the energy ministry told Reuters. This may mean an increase of at least 30% by the end of this year.

Ensuring a profit margin for producers

Farmers in the north African country have protested over the high cost of animal feed, with some dairy farmers pouring milk in the streets, and threatening to cut production.

Speaking about ensuring a profit margin for producers, agriculture minister Mahmoud Elyess Hamza said that the Tunisian consumer must support the Tunisian farmer, “because the farmer is a pillar of Tunisian food security in this delicate situation around the world.”

Reuters reports that the impact of wheat and oil price rises on Tunisia’s budget will be slightly less than about US$1.7 billion this year.