Food Prices in the Basic Basket Rise in Markets | Suben precios de alimentos de canasta familiar en mercados

El Diario:

  • Vendors confirm that vegetables have experienced price increases, as have fruits, which are more expensive due to being imported and the shortage of dollars in the country.
The prices of foods in the basic basket have risen, including fruits, negatively impacting the population’s economy.

The products in the basic basket are experiencing price increases due to the dollar shortage. This situation leads to higher costs for agricultural products as well as cleaning and hygiene items in various supply centers in the cities of La Paz and El Alto.

At the Miraflores market, the price of a pound of tomatoes has risen from 2.50 to 5.00 bolivianos, while the price of white onions has jumped from 2.50 to between 5.00 and 7.00 bolivianos. Red onions have increased from 3.50 to 5.00 bolivianos. In the case of fruits, vendors indicate that imported products have become more expensive due to the dollar shortage in the country.

Meanwhile, government authorities blame intermediaries for the rise in agricultural product prices in the national market, announcing severe penalties for those who speculate on agricultural product prices.

Economist Darío Monasterio asserts that speculation occurs when there is scarcity. This is happening with agricultural products, as well as with the dollar and fuels, thus creating black markets.

At the same time, the president of the Departmental College of Economists of Tarija, Fernando Romero, indicated that Bolivia is highly dependent on imported products; therefore, the dollar shortage affects prices.

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