Crisis in Algeria: Food Shortages, Endless Queues and Rising Social Anger
In Algeria, the shortage of basic goods is no longer a simple economic disruption; it has become a striking symbol of a system under strain. Behind empty shelves of cooking oil and the long queues to obtain milk, sugar, semolina — and at times even diesel, gas cylinders or running water — lies the reality of a country rich in natural resources but weakened by decades of centralized and opaque management. Accounts of citizens pleading with shopkeepers for a few liters of oil illustrate a situation many view as unworthy of a state endowed with some of the largest energy reserves in Africa.
An Economy of Scarcity
Heavy reliance on hydrocarbons, coupled with limited economic diversification, has long exposed structural vulnerabilities. Economists have repeatedly pointed to a rent-based model that struggles to generate sufficient domestic production, leaving the country dependent on large-scale imports of essential goods.
As a result, items such as cooking oil or milk can at times become scarce commodities. Consumers describe parallel distribution channels, hidden stockpiles and practices reminiscent of informal markets. Official reports citing thousands of commercial violations further underscore the scale of the disorder.
With a predominantly young population and persistent unemployment, social tensions have continued to mount. Occasional financial support measures announced to ease public frustration have done little to address deeper concerns over long-term prospects. Sociologists warn of a growing disconnect between institutions and citizens if living conditions continue to deteriorate.
These recurring shortages are not merely the outcome of poorly managed consumption; they reflect broader structural challenges. Without substantive reforms and improved governance transparency, scenes of prolonged queues and hard-to-find goods may remain a defining feature of daily life for a population increasingly weary of unfulfilled promises.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
