Authorities have stepped up efforts to closely monitor the basic necessities (PPN) market. This initiative aims to guarantee reasonable prices and prevent any form of abusive speculation, particularly during the Easter holiday.
Last week, in the Vakinankaratra region, representatives of the Regional Directorate of Industrialization and Commerce (DRIC) carried out a field trip to assess the situation. Their mission was to check the prices in force on the PPN market and to assess the stock levels held by local traders. To their great satisfaction, no price increase was observed despite the strong seasonal demand. In addition to field verifications, an awareness campaign was launched in Antsirabe to encourage consumers to report any cases of abusive speculation. The authorities also invited the public to contact DRIC Vakinankaratra if necessary. In the Atsimo-Andrefana region, the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIC) has also taken measures to ensure the integrity of commercial transactions. Unannounced checks were carried out on weighing equipment used by traders, in particular butchers and PPN retailers. In total, 14 scales and 90 standard weights were seized in Toliara during inspections carried out on March 28. In addition, 24 other scales with faults were sent to authorized workshops for repair, according to officials at the MIC level.
Consumer Support
In addition to these control efforts, the Malagasy government is also continuing its actions aimed at supporting the purchasing power of citizens. In several fokontany of the Ambilobe district, Diana region, 5 tonnes of rice were put on the market at an affordable price of 600 ariary per kapoaka. This initiative follows a presidential promise during President Andry Rajoelina’s recent visit to the north of the country, where he pledged to support populations affected by the recent cyclone. For the MIC, these measures reflect the commitment of the Malagasy authorities to ensure price stability for essential products and to protect consumers against abusive commercial practices.
Ansa R.
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