Staff Reporter

The Government has held fruitful engagements with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to find solutions to arrest the unprecedented price hikes of basic commodities, the Harare Post has learnt.

This follows the recent uncontrolled increase in prices of basic commodities that have gone beyond the reach of many consumers.

In a statement, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable, Dr Sekai Nzenza said the Government engaged the relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the upsurge in prices of basic commodities.

“Following the observed spike in prices of basic commodities, the Ministry has held frank and fruitful engagements with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of basic commodities over the past week in a bid to find a lasting solution to the observed matter. All stakeholders concerned are being engaged and are committed to finding lasting solution to this situation,” she said.

Minister Nzenza further assured the public that there were no shortages of basic commodities in the economy.

“The public is encouraged to take note that there are no shortages of basic commodities in the economy.  The Ministry in liaison with relevant arms of Government continues to advocate for the availability of foreign currency to productive sectors of the economy and to achieve macro-economic stability. We also assure the private sector that issues brought forward in our engagements are being attended to for the benefit of the consumers,” said Minister Nzenza.

In addition, Dr Nzenza warned suppliers demanding payment only in foreign currency that they were in violation of the dual currency pricing system.

“It has also come to our attention that some suppliers of basic commodities have been observed demanding payment exclusively in foreign currency for certain basic commodities in violation of the dual currency pricing system adopted by the Government. Furthermore, a few manufacturers of basic goods have been observed selling goods that are below the prescribed weight and volume and corrective action will always be taken to protect consumers,” said the Minister.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s annual consumer price inflation eased again to a ten-month low of 75,2% in April 2023, from 87,6% in the prior month.

Also, the revitalised agricultural sector continues to contribute to reducing dependency on food imports to enable greater foreign exchange that can be used in other sectors like manufacturing to produce high GDP output.