Tomatoes, onions and potatoes, the most demanded vegetables by consumers, have seen their prices grow by around 100% over the past few months due to weak domestic production. Traders demand a serious political response in support of local agriculture.
When there is a good domestic production, the leading products are sold by half of their current prices, as pointed out by Oscar ginez, spokesman for Abasto's CMI Block.
The Santacruz tomato (also called "perita") was sold last summer from prices starting at 3,500 Guarani per kilo, while now they reach between 7,000 and 8,000, depending on quality. These are Central Market prices, as in supermarkets, and prices surpass the 10,000 Guarani.
Similarly, potatoes and onions are sold for between 2,500 and 3,500 Guarani per kilo when domestic production is higher, but now, prices range between 4,000 and 5,000 Guarani.
Meanwhile, banana prices have also increased by around 100%, reaching between 7,000 and 8,000 Guarani per dozen, when they used to be sold for around 3,000.
According to Gínez, the reduced production volumes are due to droughts and the situation is expected to improve in a few weeks, as high prices are having a negative impact on sales.