Basic commodities prices to remain stable

CCZ executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said prices had already risen in the last quarter of 2011 and there was no need for further changes in prices.
“Prices are not expected to go up as they increased substantially in the last quarter. If we benchmark as from the September family basket of $527,52 to $545,35 in December, there was a huge increase of three percent which is a vast increment to come from the pockets of already burdened consumers.”
An economic analyst Mr Witness Chinyama said prices of basic commodities were likely to remain stable in the first quarter of the year.
“Prices of basic commodities especially in the food section are usually inelastic at the end of December and the first quarter of the year due to availability of agricultural produce.
“As a country we heavily depend on agriculture so there will be supply from the agricultural industry hence the cost of importing some of the much-used foodstuffs will be reduced,” he said.
Meanwhile, the low-income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six has shown a marginal decrease from $546,34 in November to $545,35 in December.
Ms Siyachitema called on local authorities to improve their service delivery system saying that the poor services in the water section were resulting in outbreak of diseases.
“Since rates are increasing, service should also increase for the benefit of consumers,” she said.
She also said the price of school uniforms had slightly risen by at least $2.
“Prices of uniforms have a tendency of rising in January as parents prepare for the first term. This is mainly done by retailers who are just greedy and want to maximise on the need for the products.
“Parents should shop around before settling for a product as there are shops that are always cheaper,” she said.