Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has banned the export of food products that the country imports, the BBC reported, citing Algeria's state news agency.

Among the banned products are sugar, butter, pasta, semolina and wheat derivatives.

According to the source of the agency, the president called the sale of goods that the country does not produce locally an economic diversion. Tebboune made the announcement following reports from the ministers of trade and agriculture on the availability of basic foodstuffs.

Local media are warning about rising food prices.

Algeria imports most of its food.