Algerian minister of trade acknowledges price hike

Algeria\'s Minister of Trade Mustapha Benbada Algeria\'s minister of trade has labelled the notable increase in prices of meats and vegetables during the first two days of Ramadan as \"acceptable.\" Mustapha Benbada told Arab Today that the value of food was being dictated by the demand, adding that prices will from the beginning of next week.
Benbada said that his ministry had done all it could to help meet the demands of the Algerian citizens during  the Islamic month. He disclosed that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has ordered the ministry to take the necessary measures.
During the first two days of Ramadan, there was an \"unprecedented\" demand for meats and vegetables, the minister explained, clarifying that prices were still lower than prices of last year.