• This shows an upward adjustment of K117.99
• The K76 reduction in the price of Kapenta is puzzling as the fish ban remains in place.
• Items that significantly contributed to the increase in the basket is other fruits following the end of season for Zambia’s affordable delicacy mango.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for February 2021 has increased to K8, 512.31.
JCTR Social and Economic Development programme Manager Chama Bowa Mundia said this showed an upward adjustment of K117.99 from the January 2021 basket which was K8, 394.01.
“The rise in the basket is mainly attributed to price increases in selected food items such as other fruits whose price rose by K312.44 from K225.90 to K538.34 for 14kg, soya pieces moved from K113.09 to K179.50 an increase of K66.41 for 2kg, the price of 10 litres milk increase from K239.9 to K284.26, beans has further increased from K153.92 to K186.14 for 3kg and 3.6 litres of cooking oil increased by K19.13 moving from K134.64 to K153.77.” She said.
Ms. Mundia further revealed that the selected food price increases in the basket were however offset by decreases in some food items.
“The price of 40kg of vegetables reduced by K117.5 from K561.81 to K444.31, 1kg of kapenta reduced from K354.49 to K278.26 showing a price difference of K76.21, potatoes moved from K106.36 to K65.71 a decline of K40.85 for 4kg, bananas moved from K273.41 to K240.55 a decline of K32.86 for 16kg, the price of tomatoes reduced by K27.35 moving from K100.56 to K73.21, 2 25kg bags of mealie meal showed a reduction of K24.57, from K224.28 to K119.71, pounded groundnuts reduced by K20.76 from 74.62 to K53.86 for 1kg and cassava moved from K112.43 to K91.96 a decline of K20.47 for 6kg other fruits, tomatoes and chicken showed increases ranging between K18.84 and K15.74.” She revealed.
She noted that items that significantly contributed to the increase in the basket is other fruits following the end of season for Zambia’s affordable delicacy; mango.
Ms. Mundia said this significant increase in other fruits was however offset by the downward movement in the price of food items such as vegetables and Kapenta.
She stated that the K76 reduction in the price of Kapenta is puzzling as the fish ban remains in place.
