Tunisia is grappling with recurring shortages of essential goods and bottled water, exposing persistent weaknesses in its supply chains despite a modest economic recovery.
The shortages have raised concerns over the country’s import capacity, public finances and distribution networks, with economists warning that the crisis extends beyond seasonal demand and requires structural reforms.
The Tunisian economy grew by 2.4% in the first half of the year, supported by a recovery in agriculture and tourism, according to official figures. However, the expansion fell short of the government’s 3.3% target.
The situation has revived memories of the widespread bread shortages that affected the country in the summer of 2023.
Economist Bassem Ennaifer told Anadolu Agency that Tunisia’s public finances had endured three major shocks over the past six years: the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and mounting economic pressures.
He linked persistent shortages of subsidized products, including sugar, rice and tea, to the debt burden and financing difficulties facing the Tunisian Trade Office.
The recent scarcity of bottled water, meanwhile, has been exacerbated by distribution disruptions, as wholesalers have reduced inventories that would normally help absorb sudden increases in demand during periods of extreme heat.
Ridha Chkoundali, an economics professor, said the shortages could no longer be explained by seasonal factors alone, pointing to structural, financial and regulatory problems that continue to undermine supply.
He noted that liquidity constraints had delayed imports of subsidized goods, while power outages and technical difficulties at domestic facilities had disrupted production.
Chkoundali also warned that the economic recovery could lose momentum in the second half of the year amid rising oil prices and instability in the Middle East.
Despite strong agricultural performance, increased olive oil production has offered limited relief to domestic consumers, as most of the output is destined for export markets.
He further cautioned that declining water resources and rising energy costs could eventually disrupt fuel supplies, potentially triggering further shortages if existing problems remain unresolved.
Tunisian authorities have attributed the supply disruptions to hoarding and market manipulation. The administration of President Kais Saied has accused speculators of deliberately withholding goods to fuel a crisis with political implications.
