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Egypt Launches 6-Month Price Reduction Initiative for Basic Commodities to Stabilize Markets

Acting on directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to stabilize markets and alleviate financial burdens on citizens, Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade is launching a comprehensive, six-month price reduction initiative starting Thursday, September 10, 2026. The program will run uninterrupted through March 2027, encompassing the holy month of Ramadan, to ensure sustainable market stability and continuous product availability.

Phased Rollout of Subsidized Goods

The initiative will roll out in phases, beginning with 12 essential commodities offered at discounted rates. These initial staples include packaged sugar (EGP 25/kg), rice (EGP 25/kg), blended cooking oil (EGP 50/700ml), alongside pasta, tea, white cheese, flour, and jams.

By the end of September, the program will expand to encompass a total of 30 essential items. The second phase will introduce discounted prices on tuna, lentils, beans, dairy products, artificial ghee, and household cleaning supplies such as laundry detergents and soaps.

The Food Industries Holding Company (FIHC) and its subsidiaries will play a pivotal role in executing the initiative, ensuring a steady supply chain and continuous restocking of participating outlets based on real-time consumer demand.

Massive Outlet Expansion and Private Sector Integration

The first phase will immediately activate over 284 distribution points nationwide, including FIHC consumer complexes, participating "Gamaaety" (My Society) outlets, and rationing grocers. The Ministry plans to expand this network significantly, aiming for at least one participating outlet in every district and neighborhood, prioritizing high-need areas.

To maximize geographic reach, the Ministry is upgrading outlets under the unified "Carry On" brand and integrating major private-sector retail chains. The Internal Trade Development Authority (ITDA) is set to sign cooperation agreements with these commercial chains to offer the subsidized goods. Furthermore, over 500 "Ahlan Madaris" (Welcome Schools) exhibitions, one-day markets, and mobile fleets are being deployed to eliminate intermediaries and deliver goods directly to consumers.

Digital Governance and Strict Market Oversight

To enforce compliance and prevent market manipulation, the Supreme Committee for Supply and Commercial Control is intensifying field inspections at wholesale warehouses and retail nodes.

Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, highlighted that the Ministry is deploying an array of advanced digital tools to govern the markets, including:

"Price Radar": A digital tool for real-time price tracking and anomaly detection.

"Inspector's Card": A system to document, digitize, and govern field inspection visits.

GIS Mapping: Geographic Information Systems to map outlets, optimize resource distribution, and quickly identify underserved areas.

"Track & Trace": An integrated supply chain tracking system currently under development to monitor products from the source directly to the end consumer.

Minister Farouk emphasized that this initiative is not merely a temporary campaign but a sustained operational strategy designed to respond swiftly to market indicators, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for all citizens.