Whip keeps cracking on over-burdened consumers

The list of items that have increased this year is lengthy and exhausting. From the sharp jump in general prices triggered by the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and the fuel levy in April to higher Botswana Housing Corporation rentals and the introduction of the sugar levy, consumers have endured a nightmarish year.

When the electricity and water tariff adjustments of April and June 2021 respectively are added to this picture, and the fuel price increases of July and October 2021 also considered, the pain consumers are suffering in their pockets becomes clearer.