The prices of basic necessities continue to escalate in the markets of Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, for the third month running, with increases that in some cases exceed 130 per cent. The National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (INAE) confirms the trend and points to popular protests and stock-outs as the main causes of the increase.
In the provincial capital’s wholesale market, the impact is evident. Edible oil, previously sold at 600 meticals, has gone up to 750. Onions, which used to cost 400 meticals per 19-kilo bag, have gone up to 550. Potatoes, on the other hand, increased from 350 to 550 meticals. Tomatoes, on the other hand, have seen the sharpest rise: a box, which three months ago cost 1000 meticals, is now sold for 2300 meticals – an increase of 130%.
David Macamo, a wholesaler, describes the situation as alarming. ‘Consumers have run out of alternatives. All essential products have become more expensive,’ he said. Cooking stock has also gone up, from 165 to 200 meticals.
For traders, the increase in prices does not translate into higher profits. Melita Mubai, a saleswoman for over a decade, says that the profit margin is almost non-existent. ‘We buy a box of tomatoes for 2,200 meticals and, after paying for transport from Chókwè and municipal taxes, we make a profit of only 50 or 100 meticals,’ she laments.
Amélia Macamo, another vendor, warns of the risk of worsening. ‘If the scenario persists, prices will go up even more. The population is on the verge of food collapse.’
On the consumer side, desperation is notorious. Afra Mula, a market user, says that prices have become suffocating. ‘Buying a box of tomatoes, onions or oil is practically impossible. Life is very expensive. The city is facing an increasingly bleak reality,’ she laments.
The head of the Xai-Xai wholesale market, Alda Ngale, confirms that prices have been on an upward trajectory since January, influenced by transport costs, exchange rate fluctuations and a shortage of products, stressing that vendors are making daily losses.
Raimundo Chiconela, head of operations at the INAE Provincial Delegation, attributes part of the crisis to insecurity and the floods that have affected production areas. ‘There has been a significant rise in the price of tomatoes, with an average variation of 15 meticals. Wheat flour has also risen in price, from 60 to 75 meticals, due to the lack of raw materials in the mills. Cooking oil has increased by more than 100 meticals per 5-litre unit,’ he explained.
According to Chiconela, the closure of several economic units due to insecurity has further exacerbated the shortage. The Grossista and Limpopo markets, which previously received around 3,000 people a day, have seen that number halve in recent weeks.
Source: O País
