Tunisia’s post-Arab Spring period has been marked by persistent economic hardship, with food prices reaching levels many residents describe as unsustainable. The North African nation’s currency has weakened substantially, with the dinar losing approximately half its dollar value compared to 2010 levels. This depreciation compounds the challenge of importing food, as Tunisia relies heavily on foreign agricultural purchases denominated in dollars and euros.
Price increases for common grocery items have been steep across most categories. Tomato prices have risen 113 percent since 2010, chicken by 118 percent, and cooking oil by 129 percent. Vegetables show even sharper increases, with carrots now costing more than five times their 2010 price and potatoes rising 268 percent. Beef prices have climbed 290 percent, reaching approximately 18 dollars per kilogram. Rice, subject to price controls, represents an exception with only a 10 percent increase.
The Tunisian government has maintained food subsidies for certain staples through a program established in 1970, but the scope of these protections has narrowed considerably. In late 2022, authorities agreed to phase out universal subsidies in favor of targeted cash assistance as part of International Monetary Fund negotiations. However, President Kais Saied halted implementation of these terms in 2023, resulting in a two-tier system where subsidized items retain fixed prices while unsubsidized goods have surged in cost.
Residents report widespread economic strain affecting multiple aspects of daily life. Families report difficulty affording school supplies, shifting to second-hand materials, and struggling with transportation costs as public systems become unreliable. Political activists note that despite the Arab Spring’s initial focus on economic grievances alongside democracy and dignity, economic conditions have deteriorated rather than improved over the past 15 years. Investment has stalled and the economy shows signs of stagnation, leaving many Tunisians unable to meet basic needs.
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