DILI 12 January 2023 (TATOLI)- Residents complained about the soaring of basic consumer products that affected their culinary business and forced them to compromise on their consumption.
The owner of AGS Company, Gertrudes Ximenes, complained about the recent increase in the price of food items in the supermarket, which impacted her to run her culinary business.
“I complain about the increase in the food prices because it does not help us to supply foods to the consumers,’’ The owner of AGS Company, Gertrudes Ximenes told TATOLI at Pantai Kelapa, thusday.
According to Ximenes market prices of different types such as sugar, soft drink, meat, rice, and others are soaring recently.
“At the end of 2022 I spent over 3.000 USD to buy the food items for my business however this year, it requires me to spend about $.3.500, for the food items for my business,” she explained.
Concerning inflation, The Ministry of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes on monday said the Government’s new excise tax changes only apply to four items, namely cars, tobacco, sugar, and sugary drinks and it will not apply to other items.
“Therefore, there is no justification for retailers and grocers to increase the prices of any other items, however retailers and grocers who increased the prices of goods since january 1, 2023, had already committed to price gouging. ” said Gomes.
Many residents have no worries about the government’s new decision on excise tax changes.
Gertrudes Ximenes, the consumer and also owner of AGS Company said she personally agrees with Government’s new excise tax to increase prices of those items that give a great impact on people’s health.
“Therefore those items that contain nutrition are not allowed to increase the prices because it contributes to people’s health,” she said.
Guilhermina Vas, also a consumer, agreed with government Government’s new excise tax however she said, inspection is needed for the Authority to continue controlling the basic consumer products.
According to Vas, the price of soft drinks increase to $1.00 from 0.50 cents per can, and a box of soft drinks increased to $18 from $.8.00.
“I personally intents to complain about the decision of shop owners that tend to manipulate prices of goods, therefore it requires more inspection by competent authorities such as AIFAESA and the Minister of Tourism commerce and industry (MTCI)’’ She concluded.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges
