Summary:

On 27 November 2024, the Public Court ordered an investigation opened into the import of a shipment of infected potatoes from Turkey through the port of Sousse as Tunisia continues to experience potatoes shortages. The 2758 tons of potatoes were sent back to the provider in Turkey.  

There have been several arrests related to import and stocking of potatoes. Authorities have been arresting speculators while seizing their potatoes and ensuring the potatoes are delivered to markets. 

These events comes as Tunisia is witnessing a potato crisis which started earlier in November. At that time, videos circulated on social media of citizens fighting over limited quantities in markets.  

Authorities blamed speculators while farmers’ unions claimed the shortages are due to a lack of an effective storage system during the peak potato production period. 

Outlook: 

Tunisia has witnessed shortages of many essential products including sugar, milk, rice, and others, with the potato shortage representing the latest source of frustration for Tunisian households looking for staple food items.  

Authorities are struggling to anticipate shortages and find solutions when they occur which has led to a consistent focus on cracking down on speculators.  

The infected potatoes incident is likely to be used in the official discourse as a conspiratorial effort to harm Tunisia. This type of dialogue has thus far proven effective at channeling public discontent toward speculators and away from policies.  

Agricultural unions are likely to continue refusing imported potatoes while calling on the administration to organize a more effective system for storing potatoes and other essential products. 

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