How prices in Tunisia have skyrocketed since the Arab Spring
Summary
Since the Arab Spring protests began in Tunisia in 2010, the country has faced a continuing rise in the cost of living. Prices for common food items have more than doubled, and the Tunisian currency has lost almost half its value against the U.S. dollar, making everyday goods much more expensive for people.Key Facts
- The Arab Spring started in Tunisia in December 2010 after Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation, protesting against unemployment, corruption, and police brutality.
- Tunisia's currency, the dinar, has lost 49% of its value against the U.S. dollar since 2010.
- Prices for many food items have risen sharply since 2010: tomatoes by 113%, chicken by 118%, cooking oil by 129%, carrots by 428%, potatoes by 268%, and beef by 290%.
- Some goods remain price-controlled and subsidized by the government, but subsidies have been reduced over time.
- In 2022, the government planned to replace universal food subsidies with targeted cash help to secure an IMF loan, but President Kais Saied stopped this plan in 2023.
- Subsidised goods prices stayed stable, but unsubsidised items saw major price increases.
- The ongoing cost-of-living crisis remains a serious problem for Tunisians, even 15 years after the protests.
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