adminbeen feared by most workers.
Traditionally, retailers in Zimbabwe tended to increase the price of goods whenever there was an increase in the salaries for civil servants.
Government this month adjusted salaries for civil servants that saw the lowest paid worker getting US$253 and there were fears that prices of goods would rise.
The Herald was last week inundated with calls from civil servants from various parts of the country calling for price regulations on basic commodities.
Some claimed that most shops have already started increasing prices of basic commodities but that was not substantiated by the situation on the ground.
A survey in Harare and surrounding centers on Thursday showed that the prices of most goods had not been increased.
At Mahusekwa, Juru growth point and Dema in Seke, prices of most goods were still in line with price trends released by the National Income and Pricing commission as at May 30 this year.
The situation is the same with most prices of goods in Harare.
Rural businessmen interviewed confirmed an increase in their sales but said their prices would remain the same.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said a salary increase would not necessarily translate into an increase in prices of basic commodities.
“There is actually no worry at the moment but we will continue to monitor until the end of the month to see the impact of the salaries on the prices,” she said.
She, however, said during the first half of July, there was a marginal increase to the breadbasket from US$502.04 in June to US$505.82.
Ms Siyachitema said the food basket had increased by 0.02 percent in mid July.
“The cost of foodstuffs has increased from US$145.43 in June to US$147.49 in the first half of July but its difficult to refer to this as an increase which can raise alarm.
“The food and detergents basket also increased from US$158 to US$161 reflecting a 0.01 percent increment.” she added.
She said some retailers had already pushed prices of basic goods up in anticipation of the salary increment.
“We feel that the shift in prices was as a result of anticipation of civil servants salary increment by retailers.
“Retailers should charge fair prices,” she said.
Mealie-meal has gone up by US$0.41 cents, flour by US$0.44 cents, salt by US$0.06 cents, onions by US$0.32 cents, tomatoes by US$0.02 cents and beef by US$0.20 cents.
Ms Siyachitema urged retailers to charge fair prices and avoid making super profits at the expense of customers. She said salaries were already below the poverty datum line and there was no need for price rises.
Online Reporter