Inflation slows but food prices stay stubborn
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 2320 Views |
Higher and higher: Vegetables are leading price increases in the inflation calculation
In the 12 months to October, food inflation was measured at 6.5 percent down from 7.7 percent in September, representing the highest price increase for specific goods and services.
According to figures released by Statistics Botswana on Wednesday, the stubborn food prices are being driven largely by vegetables, where average prices rose 11.2% in the 12 months to October. Average prices of fish, fruits, meat and bread are all eight percent higher over the 12 months, underlining the pressure consumers have been under in terms of basic commodities despite the overall drop in inflation.
Instead, they should serve as a warning to health authorities, community leaders, and policymakers that something is not right. According to the Palapye District Development Committee’s latest report, 130 abortion cases were recorded between April and June 2026.On the face of it, the overall figure may represent a decline from the preceding quarter. However, going deeper into the figures, the monthly trend tells a different and more worrying...