Montassar Riahi, a 45-year-old father of four, is used to the frustration of scanning empty supermarket shelves in search of basic necessities like mineral water and sugar. Recently, he has had to visit multiple stores in the hope of finding the items he needs for his family. Riahi usually starts by looking for water, then moves on to vegetables, chicken, or eggs, and only checks for fruits last—something he now considers a luxury. He says that the economic crisis is affecting a large part of Tunisia’s population, with empty shelves, shrinking incomes, and a significant drop in purchasing power. For Riahi, the summer of 2026 has been the most challenging he has faced in years. Tunisian markets have struggled with repeated shortages of essential goods for several months. Many everyday products are becoming harder to find, and the situation is not improving. While some items are completely unavailable, others are only available at inflated prices. This scarcity is not just a temporary issue—it is becoming a persistent challenge for many families. In an attempt to alleviate the pressure on households, the government announced a 5% wage increase in May, affecting over 2.5 million workers in both public and private sectors. However, this increase has not been enough to offset the rising cost of living. Prices for food, fuel, and other necessities continue to climb, outpacing wage growth and leaving many Tunisians struggling to make ends meet. The impact is felt across all levels of society, from urban centers to rural areas. Economists warn that without significant policy changes or economic reforms, the situation could worsen. The combination of high inflation, limited access to essential goods, and stagnant wages is creating a difficult environment for households and businesses alike. As the crisis continues, many Tunisians are left wondering how long they can sustain their daily lives under these conditions.