Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has said that it is worried by the speculative pricing regime that has seen prices of staple foods surge within some quarters in the distribution chain.
The association says the impact of the activities on household food security is negative and affects the adequate access to food by the citizenry.
“In light of serious cost pressures currently experienced in flour production arising from non-wheat expenditures, price of bread flour has slightly increased from $36.50 per 50 kg to 39.65 per 50 kg,” GMAZ National Chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said. “This translate to an increase of 3 cents per loaf.”
Other retail prices are a mealie meal (Roller Meal) 5kg at $3.85, 10 kg at $7.16 and 20kg at 13.95; parboiled rice 2 kg at $7.49, and value white at $7.49; and also fine salt 1kg at $1.89, 2kg at $2.99. Course salt 2kg will cost $2.79.
Musarara also said the maximum recommended prices have been issued in the interest of the public and with the legitimate expectation that the requisite condonation will be granted by the Competition and Tariff Commission.
The new prices come after GMAZ endorsed a report from the Technical Committee on Finance and Costing during an ordinary meeting.
The procedure was done in an attempt to maximize consumer purchase value during the December festive season.
Zimbabwe’s prices have been increasing following the Minister of Finance’s announcements of austerity measures which changed tax from 5cent per transaction to 2c per dollar transacted and also separated foreign currency accounts and Zimbabwean RTGS accounts.