In a Regional Development Committee (CRD) chaired by the deputy governor, Sidy Guissé Diongué, the Saint-Louis Regional Consumer Council set new ceiling prices for ordinary broken rice in the Saint-Louis region.

From now on, in the department of Saint-Louis, the price of a ton of broken rice sold wholesale is capped at 277,500 CFA francs, while a 50 kg bag sells for 13,750 CFA francs. Differentiated prices have also been set for the other departments in the region. In Dagana, the price per ton is set at 288,000 CFA francs and a bag at 13,850 CFA francs, while in Podor, the price per ton is 289,000 CFA francs and a bag at 14,000 CFA francs. As for retail prices, a kilogram of broken rice now sells for 300 CFA francs in Saint-Louis, 310 CFA francs in Dagana, and 325 CFA francs in Podor. The deputy governor emphasized that these are maximum prices.

“This means that rice can be sold for less than these amounts. I urge all traders in the region to strictly adhere to these prices,” said Sidy Guissé Diongué, while congratulating the technical services, traders and consumer organizations for their involvement in this consensus-based process.

For his part, the regional director of commerce, Dr. Ousmane Diallo, welcomed this significant measure, which aligns with the national policy to alleviate the cost of living. He noted that a first wave of price reductions had already affected several essential consumer goods, such as oil, flour, bread, and cement, in June 2024.

"Today's meeting resulted in a significant reduction in the price of ordinary broken rice. In Saint-Louis, the decrease is 60 francs per kilogram. In Dagana, the price has fallen from 375 to 310 francs, a reduction of 65 francs. In Podor, the kilogram has fallen from 400 to 325 francs, a decrease of 75 francs," he explained.

According to Dr. Ousmane Diallo, these reductions are greater than those implemented in the Dakar region, which is a source of real satisfaction for local authorities. He did, however, point out that the geographical remoteness of some areas sometimes leads to supply shortages, creating opportunities for speculation.

"When price violations are found, sanctions are systematically applied," he warned, calling for vigilance from consumers and civic responsibility from traders.