Small-scale vendors on Friday made the move to significantly raise the prices for citrus fruits and other produce, as Guyanese flock the market for vitamin-enriched foods to fend off contraction of the coronavirus.
The demand has caused consumers to purchase more citrus fruits
At popular marketplaces in Georgetown and the coastal stretch, the prices were raised in some cases by 100 per cent and more. Fruits such as oranges, tangerines and pineapple with high Vitamin C content were the most expensive, even though it is relatively cheap in normal circumstances.
Over at the Vreed-en-Hoop market at the junction, one vendor refused to state the rationale behind the increase but noted that there was a demand for these products. At one stall, a single pineapple was sold for $900, and oranges at $500 for a parcel of three.
While customers raised eyebrows at the prices, they still proceeded to purchase them. By 10:00h on Friday, almost half of these items were already sold.
One consumer told Guyana Times, “I didn’t expect them to do this but we need it so we have to buy”.
Meanwhile, on social media, other persons vented about the inflated prices at the Mon Repos market on the East Coast of Demerara, where prices were raised across the board. Even vegetables such as plantains were sold at a higher value.
Over at Stabroek Market, this publication visited in the morning hours where a few stalls kept the costs for fruits and vegetables as low as on regular days. However, it was indicated that the domino effect will come into play if farmers or other suppliers decide to wholesale these produce at higher values.
This publication sought a comment from one consumer, who said he previously went to the Bourda Market where the prices were raised. As such, the only other option was to check the Stabroek vendors.
“I live in Kitty so I went over there…at Bourda and the prices were outrageous. A woman had pineapple selling at the price you would pay for two so here wasn’t that bad. It doesn’t make sense because we need it in the upcoming days if more people get sick,” James (only name provided) indicated.
Health authorities have indicated that one of the ways of preventing contraction of the COVID-19 virus is by boosting the immune system while disinfecting frequently contacted surroundings. It is advisable to sanitise or wash hands frequently and avoid touching the face. Since the virus is not airborne, persons can wear a mask only if they experience symptoms or are caring for an ill person.
Thus far, cleaning supplies have been flying off the shelves in supermarkets and many businesses have now opted to limit the number of items per person until they are restocked. Demands have risen for cleaning agents such as bleach, along with sanitizers and disinfectants, especially Lysol.
Local health authorities have advised that if anyone is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, they should contact the hotline on 227-4986 ext 215 or 624-3067 and a team would be sent to their location.
