Prices of basic food basket higher in 2022 than previous year

THE cost of the basic food basket in Zimdollar terms in rural markets increased by 10% compared to the previous month, yet remains 483% higher than a year ago.

In United States dollar (US$) terms, the average cost increased by 2% over the reporting period and increased by 7% compared to the same time last year.

The price increase in US$ terms could be partially attributed to an increase in energy tariffs (both fuel and electricity) as well as an increase in demand during the holiday season and ongoing power outages which impacted on the cost of production (Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ).

Maize grain availability at 4% remains low and is similar to same time the previous year.

The commodity was selling at an average of $275,02/kg compared to $239,92/kg in November an increase of 15% and increased by 402% compared to December 2021.

The US$ price of US$0,29/kg is stable compared to November but 7% higher when compared to December 2021.

Unrefined maize meal availability was 55%, representing 34 and 5 percentage points decrease when compared November 2022 and December 2021, respectively.

Unrefined maize meal was selling at an average of $463,02/kg which is 9% higher than November 2022 and 530% higher than the same time the previous year.

The US$ price of US$0,53/kg is 7% and 13% higher than November and the December 2021, respectively.

Sugar beans availability remained stable at 63% of the monitored markets compared to the previous month and year.

Sugar beans was selling at an average price of $1 728,93/kg which is stable when compared to November 2022 and 336% higher than same time last year.

The US$ price of US$2,03/kg was 4% higher than the previous month and 7% lower than same time during the previous year.

Vegetable oil was available in 95% of the markets which is comparable with the previous year (98%) and 27 percentage points higher than November 2022.

In Zimdollar terms, the commodity was selling at an average price of $2 179,15/L, 11% and 666% higher than the previous month and same time previous year.

The US$ price of US$2,42/L, 2% higher than November 2022 and a 7% increase on a year-on-year basis. World Food Programme