Tunisians watch prices of most consumer goods soar
Tunisians have seen their purchasing power plummet in recent days, amid a market shortage of basic goods, soaring prices of most consumer goods and warnings of possible nationwide protests.
TUNIS — The Central Bank of Tunisia raised its main interest rate by 75 basis points to 7% on May 17, to combat inflationary pressures. The bank also raised the minimum rate of return on savings by 100 basis points up to 6%.
Mounir Ghabri, the director of customer relations at the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas, told Tunis Afrique Presse on May 15 that the company has approved new increases in electricity and gas prices, at rates ranging between 12.2% and 16% for domestic customers and 15% for industry.
Tunisian Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Naila Nouira Gonji told the Mosaique radio station May 14 that fuel prices will be adjusted on a monthly basis throughout 2022. She added that the increased rate agreed upon in the Finance Law does not exceed 3% on a monthly basis, but the latest fuel price increase amounted to 5% due to the high global fuel prices.
The vice president of the National Federation of Building, Kamel Mansour, told the state radio station Shems FM on May 19 that the recent measures will cause a rise in construction prices.
