As the Middle East conflict drives up global food prices, Mauritania’s authorities have rolled out an extensive price monitoring campaign to safeguard essential goods.

The initiative targets staple foods such as rice, cooking oil, and sugar, aiming to curb unjustified price hikes by traders. Surveillance teams have been deployed across Nouakchott and are gradually expanding to other regions to enforce market stability.

A core focus of the operation includes tracking stock levels, ensuring consumer protection, and cracking down on fraudulent practices that distort pricing.

Traders remain cautious, with some confirming they have not raised prices despite external pressures. Aissata Bâ, a marketing agent handling imported products like Kadi (bouillon), Jedida (butter), and Delia (chocolate), stated, «We have maintained our prices without changes so far.»

Consumer Fatimetou Mint Ahmed echoed this sentiment, noting, «Basic staples like oil, rice, sugar, and milk have remained stable, despite occasional rumors of price increases.»

Mohamed Ould Bouh, a local trader, also reassured that the market remains calm, with no signs of tension or price volatility.

Under the crackdown, authorities are taking strict action against violators. In late March, the Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay announced the closure of dozens of non-compliant businesses and the imposition of fines as part of broader efforts to combat unfair pricing and anti-competitive behavior.