Mauritania's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Tourism has announced the seizure of 4.7 tonnes of tomatoes after detecting price speculation. Consumer protection and fraud prevention teams carried out the operation in coordination with administrative and security authorities in the district of El Mina.
In a statement, the ministry said the operation was part of its efforts to monitor markets, combat speculation and hoarding, regulate prices and protect people's purchasing power.
The ministry said the seized quantities had been intended for speculation, as the price of tomatoes had risen to 5,000 old ouguiyas per kilogram.
Following intervention by the fruit and vegetable importers' union, an agreement was reached to sell the seized tomatoes under the direct supervision of ministry inspectors at prices ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 old ouguiyas per kilogram, the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the union pledged to coordinate with it in future on setting tomato prices and introducing a price ceiling, with the aim of curbing speculation and helping stabilise market prices.
The ministry attributed the price rise to a seasonal shortage linked to the end of the growing season. It said normal market supplies were expected to resume as domestically grown tomatoes became available.
The ministry said it would not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures against those involved in speculation and hoarding, in line with consumer protection rules. It also pledged to continue field inspections across the country's markets and tackle practices that undermine access to essential food or manipulate prices.
