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The Federation of Algerian Consumers (FAC) has called for government action to put a halt to what it sees as recent excessive and unjustified increases in prices of many staple products, including fruit and vegetables.

The FAC has demanded that the state act to stabilise prices, combat speculation of all forms and preserve the purchasing power of consumers, according to a report from Liberté Algérie.

It has also called for the emergency installation of a competition council to regulate the market, ensure fair competition and fight against inflation, which has now overtaken the annual rate of 4 per cent.