Inflation slows to 2.8%
Thursday, July 18, 2024 | 300 Views |
Stabilising: An index measuring average cooking oil prices has declined by 9.9% in the 12 months to June 2024. Govt cut VAT on cooking oil last year
Statistics Botswana figures indicate that the annual rate of inflation was slightly softer in June owing to base effects particularly associated with transport.
In the 12 months to June 2024, the single highest increase in average prices has been in insurance services at 12.1%, while the average prices of oils and fats have retreated the most, declining by 9.9 percent. Government last year removed Value Added Tax on oils and fats, bowing to public outrage after an extended rally in prices of the commodities.
While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...