Govt monitoring increase in prices for some vegetables

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry is monitoring the increase in the cost of vegetables across the country.
Several consumers have complained of an almost 100 per cent increase in the cost of most vegetables at both main markets and supermarkets over the last three weeks. The notable price hikes were also widely reported in the media.
Research conducted by the Department of Commerce within the Ministry confirmed the price increases.
These increases were attributed mainly to heavy rainfall, which affected the production of cash crops in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). However, some prices have started declining over the last few days and the ministry said it expected this trend to continue as the situation stabilised.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond said that the Ministry would continue to work with other Ministries and agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to farmers.
Walrond added that the Government understood the negative financial impact the sharp increase in prices of these staple items could have on the Guyanese consumer, as well as the tourism and hospitality sector. She stressed that the Government was monitoring the situation closely in a bid to determine any necessary intervention.