Luanda — The prices of basic commodities in the Luanda market recorded an increase that is reflected on foodstuff with the 25 kg bag of rice, which earlier this year cost 2,500 kwanzas, being now sold at the price of ten thousand kwanzas.
For a box of chicken thighs and ribs in wholesale warehouses of Cometa are in Viana municipality, they cost 7,700 and 12,000 kwanzas, respectively.
In this period, Angop learnt that the consumer spends much money for the purchase of foodstuff.
The canteen owner Costa Morais said that profits from the sale of detergents and foodstuff are good.
For a box of spaghetti, consumers are paying now 4,000 kwanzas if compared to the previous 1,200 kwanzas.
Economist points out macro-economic customs factors
Macro-economic and customs factors are the main reasons for the imbalance of prices in informal markets and shops, according to economist Manuel Lourenço.
“The domestic production cannot meet demand that is higher. Business people are taking advantage of speculating the prices. Many of them are taking advantage of the situation to compensate their profits”, he stressed.
The expert believes that the supply and demand will have balance when there is an increase in domestic production and a consequent reduction in imports.
Trade alerts agents to combat speculation
The Inspector General of Trade, Heleno Antunes, ensures that the institution will continue to inspect small and large shopping centers in the country.
The aim is to combat speculation in the prices of basic food products. Heleno Antunes spoke at a Round Table in the National Radio of Angola, on the monitoring of prices in supermarkets.
The traders who opt for speculation prices are subject to punitive and corrective action by the competent bodies of inspection and supervision.