Prices Items abound in the market but the high price prevents purchase

The New Market of Agricultural Villages, like the other markets it supplies, is full of products, with prices that the Government insists are stable; however, the population understands that since the country produces all consumer goods, they should be cheaper.

Bananas were sold yesterday in the markets of Santo Domingo between RD$22.00 and RD$25.00, depending on whether they were barahonero or azuano, while the price of rice ranged between RD$37.00 and RD$ 45.00, which seems affordable to Dominican families.

However, buyers of these goods pointed out that the cost of living has risen sharply and that, although product prices have not varied much, as the authorities assure, families find it difficult to afford them.

They noted that workers’ salaries have long lost purchasing power, compared to the increases many products in the basic basket have seen.

“Yes, there are many products. There is rice, bananas, beans… but they cost money. What one buys to eat daily is not at the same price as when the salary was increased and that is what the Government does not see,” said Pablo Hernández.

He pointed out that the officials, as in all governments, speak from a perspective that is not the reality that the people of the neighborhoods live, not only with food, but also with the services they must provide.

Josefina Medina said that her family has had to adapt to what can be bought because many items are no longer part of their biweekly purchases.

She said that, despite her, her husband, and her eldest daughter working, the fortnightly purchases are less than they were years ago.

“Look, in my house there are practically three salaries and we can’t even eat as we please. As it is, food is expensive and it is not only about buying food, there are more obligations that “reduce” the salary,” he said.

But yesterday, during the tour of the markets, not only were the buyers’ complaints heard, but also those of the sellers, who claim that their sales have fallen.

Several sellers pointed out that production is stable, as there has been no shortage of goods in a while, but that they are buying more expensive ones from producers.

These merchants understand that the marketing chain must be evaluated.