Mauritania’s price control measures amid Middle East tensions

As tensions escalate in the Middle East and global food prices surge, Mauritanian authorities have rolled out a sweeping initiative to monitor and regulate the cost of essential food items. The move aims to curb any unjustified price hikes on staples like rice, cooking oil, and sugar, ensuring affordability for consumers nationwide.

Teams of inspectors have been deployed across Nouakchott, with plans to extend operations to other regions. Their mission includes tracking market supplies, reinforcing consumer protection, and cracking down on fraudulent practices that could drive up prices.

Local merchants, including Aissata Bâ, a distributor of imported goods such as bouillon cubes, butter, and chocolate, report maintaining stable prices despite external pressures. “We haven’t raised our prices yet,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of keeping costs accessible for families.

Consumer Fatimetou mint Ahmed echoed this sentiment, stating that basic goods like oil, rice, sugar, and milk remain at consistent prices. “There’s no real increase, just rumors that don’t reflect the market reality,” she noted.

Commercial activity in the capital and beyond appears unaffected, with traders like Mohamed ould Bouh confirming a steady, calm market environment. Authorities have warned that any attempts to exploit the situation will face strict penalties.

In late March, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay announced the closure of dozens of non-compliant businesses and the imposition of fines as part of the government’s broader effort to prevent price gouging and anti-competitive behavior.