Mauritania price controls amid middle east crisis

As the Middle East conflict rages on, Mauritania is taking decisive action to shield its citizens from soaring food prices. Authorities have rolled out an extensive nationwide campaign to monitor and stabilize the cost of essential goods such as rice, cooking oil, and sugar.

Teams of inspectors have been deployed across Nouakchott, with operations expanding to other regions. Their mission is clear: ensure market stability by tracking stock levels, protecting consumers, and cracking down on fraudulent practices.

Market stability under watch

Local traders are holding firm against price hikes. Aissata Bâ, a marketer handling imported food products including Kadi (bouillon), Jedida (butter), and Delia (chocolate), confirms no price increases. «For now, we’ve maintained our prices without changes,» she states.

Consumer Fatimetou mint Ahmed echoes this sentiment. «Basic staples like oil, rice, sugar, and milk remain at their usual prices. Despite occasional rumors, the market has stayed calm,» she observes.

Mohamed ould Bouh, a local merchant, adds that the market remains stable with no signs of tension or instability.

Government crackdown on price gouging

In late March, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay announced strict measures against violators. Dozens of businesses were shut down, and heavy fines imposed as part of a broader effort to combat unjustified price hikes and anti-competitive behavior.