Commodity Price Hike His Week

The minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection Cader Sayed-Hossen stated: “Basmati rice is selling these days 900 to 1,200 dollars per ton on the international market, and could sell for 1600 and 1800 dollars per ton. A kilo of long-grain basmati rice is being sold at Rs 25 and could be sold at Rs 40 a kilo soon.”

He highlighted: “Internationally, the price of milk and other products have increased recently. This has been seen throughout the world in Europe, Africa, and Australia. In Mauritius, we will see this increase in the coming weeks.”

The General Manager of Mauritius Oil Refineries Ltd (MOROIL) Paul Clarenc stated: “The increase in price of oil will be around 16 per cent. This is due to the appreciation of US dollar. In just one month it has shown a rise of 6 per cent.”

According to importers of dry grains, these foods will see an increase of 5 to 25 per cent.

“It is the bad climatic conditions which have affected Australia which has led to the risk of growing shortages. There is also the Euro crisis which has affected importers in Mauritius. If the US dollar continues to appreciate vis-à-vis the Mauritian rupee, the price of commodities will be more expensive,” said an importer.

Jayen Chellum, general secretary of l’Association des consommateurs de l’île Maurice’ (ACIM), is against the price hike.

He said: “The standard of living is already high, and it will be very difficult for the middle class and the poor family to afford even the basic commodities.”