Tunisians struggle with inflation as Ramadan starts

Once a month of joy and celebration, Ramadan this year has put the finances of ordinary Tunisians on strain as inflation bites, coupled with a shortage of basic goods and rampant unemployment.

Tunisia’s February inflation was at 7.5% with prices set to further surge due to the high demand on foodstuff, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan, according to the Tunisian national consumption institution (INC).

As the government struggles to fill shelves, Tunisians, like their Algerian neighbors, are becoming used to queues and rationing of basic goods such as milk, flour, and sometimes coffee and fuel.

Drought has slashed domestic farm production, further worsening inflation.

The government is scapegoating hoarders for the foodstuff shortage in the domestic market. Economists are rather blaming the government’s failure to secure a deal with the IMF that would enable Tunisia to have a lifeline to continue to ensure availability of basic goods for ordinary citizens.