The Ministry of Economy and Finance has revealed the extent of field interventions conducted by the Directorate of Competition, Prices, and Subsidies as part of its efforts to regulate markets and protect citizens’ purchasing power. Each year, over 350,000 sales outlets are monitored, resulting in approximately 15,000 violation reports, with necessary legal actions taken.
Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, clarified in response to a parliamentary question that these interventions fall within a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring price stability, enhancing the governance of the subsidy system, and rationalizing the expenses of the subsidy fund.
The directorate plays a pivotal role in implementing government policies related to price freedom, competition, and support for essential goods. It oversees the work of the inter-ministerial price committee, responsible for determining and reviewing the prices of several vital materials and services that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods.
Additionally, the directorate contributes to improving the effectiveness of the social protection system by regulating public support mechanisms and directing resources to deserving groups.
Regarding competition, the directorate works in continuous coordination with the Competition Council, reviewing over 160 cases annually related to economic concentration, as well as addressing issues connected with practices that violate market rules, aiming to protect the national economy from monopolies and manipulation.
The ministry noted that the responsibilities of the Directorate of Competition, Prices, and Subsidies have significantly evolved since the 1970s, particularly following the adoption of the Free Prices and Competition Law in 2000, progressing to the current phase which sees improvements in administrative structure and human resources.
Modern training programs have also been incorporated to enhance the skills of the directorate’s staff in areas such as market monitoring, analysis, and economic regulation, to keep pace with the new challenges associated with evolving markets and consumption patterns.
