Nigerien authorities began selling rice at a price below the market price, Agence Nigérienne de Presse reports on June 27.
Niger’s new authorities, which emerged after the overthrow of pro-Western president Mohamed Bazoum, decided to provide support to low-income citizen groups. The government purchased rice, studied its market prices and decided to sell this product at reasonable prices.
Currently, the market price of a 25-kilogram bag of rice in Niger is 17,000 African francs (about 2,350 Russian rubles) or more. The state decided to sell rice for the same bag for 13.5 thousand African francs (about 1.87 thousand Russian rubles).
In Niamey, the capital of Niger, sales of rice at social prices began. Gradually this practice will spread to all regions of the country.
“In accordance with its sovereign role of supporting the population, the State will continue to assist them and remain close to the people… this operation is also a way of assuring the people that the authorities will continue to serve them faithfully.”said Niger’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Seydou Azman.
At the same time, the minister warned sellers and buyers that the State will monitor compliance with the rules for the sale of this rice and will sanction any violations in accordance with current legislation.
Rice is expected to be sold at reduced prices until the shortage is over.
Let us remember that Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. At the end of July 2023, a coup d’état took place here. International pressure on Niger has led to an increase in the number of hungry people in the country.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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