Inflation peaks on fuel prices
Friday, December 21, 2018
According to the latest numbers from Statistics Botswana, inflation jumped 0.2% in November after the average 35thebe increase in fuel prices effected on November 15.
The transport index, one of 12 used to calculate the Consumer Price Index (CPI), carries the heaviest weighting in the basket of indices used to measure inflation. The weighting means any movements within the index impact significantly on the overall CPI, on which the inflation rate is based.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...