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Herald Reporter
Some retailers have reduced prices in line with a moratorium announced by the Government while others continue to increase prices beyond the reach of many, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza has said.

A meeting involving the Government, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, has since been scheduled to find lasting solutions to the price issue.

Prices started going up rapidly in mid-March as rumours started circulating that Zimbabwe was headed for a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

When the lockdown was finally pronounced on March 30, consumers thronged shops resulting in retailers hiking prices to take advantage of the jump in demand.

The prices have not been reduced since then, with some retailers actually effecting more increases.

Responding to questions from journalists after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Dr Nzenza confirmed that prices continued to rise, but said some retailers had taken heed of the moratorium to reduce prices to those obtaining as at March 25.

“We have a dialogue with retailers. The issue of continuing increasing prices is hurting the consumers.

“We came to an agreement, however, despite the agreement, not everyone always heeds the call. Some of them have complied, but others continue to increase prices,” said Dr Nzenza.

She said Government will continue to engage retailers so that they reduce their prices because the agreement was done in good faith.

“We are basically saying we are all in this journey of Covid-19 together. Let us also consider what the impact it is having to consumers,’’ she said.

Prices of basic commodities such as maize meal, rice, cooking oil, sugar, salt and flour have significantly gone up.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers, Mr Denford Mutashu, yesterday said: “We are definitely in agreement with all critical players, since the moratorium is a product of mutual agreement. With regards to maize (roller) meal, it is within the agreed subsidised prices. We should be making necessary pronouncements out of the dialogue.

“As the general public stays at home, it deserves an uninterrupted supply of basic commodities at affordable prices. We will also ensure that as retailers we will fully implement and comply with the price moratorium and ensure that the citizenry do not starve at this critical time.”

Mr Mutashu said retailers wish to work with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure availability of basic commodities.