Shatioui on Sunday began offering more than half a million kilograms of dates in markets across various Libyan cities at a price of 20 cents (1 dinar) per kilogram. Traders warn of market falloutHowever, the initiative drew criticism from some people in the sector. He argued that flooding the market with large quantities at very low prices would harm small and medium-sized traders and farmers who rely on the Ramadan season to sell their stored produce, cover costs and secure a reasonable profit margin. Senousi called on regulatory, auditing and security authorities to intervene to stop what he described as “tampering” with local markets. Ramadan is seen as the peak consumption season, as many producers rely on the holy month to market their annual stock and cover production costs.

Source: Libya Today February 17, 2026 10:52 UTC