Nation bans imports of 900 products
Algeria does not import vegetables anymore – except for garlic
The OPEC member has been trying to cut outside spending since crude oil prices started falling in mid-2014. It relies on oil and gas for 60 percent of the state budget and since oil prices collapsed, earnings from this sector have halved.
The Times of Oman reported that the import ban, which took effect last Sunday, also applies to furniture, all vegetables except for garlic, some meats and fruits, cheeses, chocolates, pastries, pasta, juice, bottled waters and some building materials.
While the oil price has recently rebounded, it is still below $70 a barrel; Algerian officials have said it needs to be above $70 to help balance the budget.