Nobleman Runyanga

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has allayed fears of an imminent mealie meal price increase which have been driven mainly by the social media over the past few weeks.

The body set the record straight in a statement which it issued to the media this week.

GMAZ attributed the rumour to some recent price increases by some retailers who were capitalising on panic-buying by some consumers to up their prices.

“Fears of an imminent maize meal price increases have been extensively speculated in both the mainstream and social media. This has, to a large extent, fuelled panic buying with some unscrupulous retailers capitalising by overcharging maize meal,” read part of the statement.

The association stated that the recommended maximum 10kg mealie meal retail price was $7.94, that the maximum miller exit price of a 10kg maize meal was $7.03 adding that retailers were allowed to further negotiate for discounts by taking advantage of large quantity orders.

 GMAZ expressed concern that some retailers were charging beyond the recommended price.

“Regrettably, 10kg roller meal is being sold on some retail shelves at prices way above $7.94. The (recommended) price includes a traditional 10 percent retail margin and the 2 percent intermediate tax. In essence, the price of maize meal is unchanged,” the association indicated.

In order to curb the wanton mealie meal price increases, GMAZ indicated that it would monitor retailers to ensure compliance with the recommended prices.

“A GMAZ field price monitoring team will be deployed countrywide to promote adherence to the (recommended) prices by all players,” read the statement.

GMAZ also assured the nation that Zimbabwe had sufficient maize stocks.

“The country is currently adequately stocked with maize and the aggregate milling capacity exceeds market demand. Consumers are assured of their favourite brands of roller meal in their nearest convenience shops,” assured GMAZ.