The World Food Programme (WFP) says the cost of basic goods in Zimbabwe has risen by 493% in the year to September 30, 2022 in urban areas, leaving many struggling to get by.
In its latest food security monitoring report for September 2022 seen by NewsDay, WFP also acknowledged the recent stabilisation of the exchange rate which is attributed the government controlling the money supply. WFP said:
Data on the prices and availability of basic commodities in rural markets was not available hence this report focuses on the urban markets.
The cost of the basic food basket in ZWL terms decreased by 5% month-on-month, but year-on-year it increased by 493%.
In USD terms, the average cost of the basic food basket decreased by 6% compared to the previous month, and increased by 6% compared to the same time during the previous year.
Stability in the price of basic commodities when compared to the previous month has been noted, however, when compared to the past six months and one year, the price changes remain high and continue to present challenges for the vulnerable households whose income is mainly in ZWL.
WFP noted that the main drivers of the increases were fuel, fertiliser as well as price increases in other non-food commodity items such as laundry and bathing soap.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said prices of most goods and services are expected to remain well above normal — therefore inaccessible for poorer households.