The latest report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that Libyans waste an estimated 84 kilograms of food per person annually.
The Food Waste Index Report for 2024, prepared by the non-governmental organization “WRAP” in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, precisely assesses food wastage in retail and consumption stages worldwide.
In Libya, the report estimated that 572,937 tonnes of food were wasted last year, with each person wasting 84 kilograms. This marks an increase from the 75 kilograms per person wasted in 2019.
The figures indicate that many Libyans purchase large quantities of food daily, especially during Ramadan, beyond their needs, whether it’s bread, cooked meals, or sweets, only to end up discarded in the trash.
In comparison with other Maghreb countries, Algeria tops the list in food wastage with 5,057,909 tonnes, followed by Morocco with 4,219,805 tonnes, showing an increase of about one million compared to 2019 data.
Tunisia recorded 2,121,810 tonnes, averaging 172 kilograms of wasted food per person annually, followed by Mauritania with 422,451 tonnes.
In another context, the head of Libyan Consumer Associations Union, Ahmed Al-Kurdi, stated that prices for various food and medicinal items have increased by 20%. He added that prices will continue to rise if the dollar exchange rate does not decrease.
Al-Kurdi indicated that prices are continuously escalating due to the monopoly of some traders, as well as pricing based on the parallel market exchange rate, amidst the absence of regulatory authorities to control prices.
He explained that there is a missing link between the suppliers, wholesalers, andب speculators who manipulate prices for profit.
Meanwhile, Minister of Economy and Trade in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mohamed al-Hwaij, affirmed that “prices in Libya, according to international indicators, are cheaper than many other countries and are still under control.” But he reiterated that about 40% of Libyans are falling below the poverty line.
In a report, the World Food Programme confirmed a 3% increase in the prices of basic commodities in February compared to January this year (2024. It noted that the price of the food basket per individual has reached 866 dinars.
al-Hwaij voiced his deep concern regarding a recent decision by Ageela Saleh, the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives in the east, to slash the value of the Libyan dinar.
This decision, which entails imposing a hefty tax on foreign currency purchases, could potentially trigger a staggering 30% surge inذ prices across the nation.
In an interview with CNN Business, al-Hwaij sharply criticised Saleh’s move, branding it as ill-advised and warning of a looming economic catastrophe. He stressed that both the Ministry of Economy and the Government of National Unity (GNU) vehemently oppose this decision, highlighting its untimely implementation and lack of proper consultation with key ministries.
