Decision No. 376 of 2022 on Price Controls for Basic Food Commodities

The Ministry of Economy imposed mandatory maximum retail prices on eight staple food items including pasta, rice, flour, cooking oils, canned tomatoes, eggs, and milk. The price controls were temporary, effective through Ramadan 2022, with enforcement through shop closures (one week to one month) and potential license revocation for repeat violations.

This decision demonstrates Libya's willingness to impose direct price controls during periods of economic stress, creating unpredictable operating conditions for food importers, distributors, and retailers. While this specific order has expired, foreign companies in the FMCG sector should anticipate similar interventions during future inflationary periods or political instability. The enforcement mechanism—immediate closure authority given to judicial police without apparent due process—represents material operational risk for retail operators.