The prices for vegetables, fruit, and ground provisions have soared by more than 75% on average over the past three years in Guyana, according to comparative data from the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC). The data, taken from the Bourda and Stabroek markets in Georgetown, two of the country's largest and busiest markets, shows a steady climb in food prices since 2021.
Some vegetables have more than doubled in price. In May 2021, cabbage was sold at $170 per pound; by May 2025, it had risen to $360 per pound. Pak-choi increased from $47 to $100 per hand, cucumbers rose from $29 to $80 each, and corilla jumped from $130 to $300 per pound. Boulanger prices climbed by 20%, okra increased by 65%, pumpkin rose by 65.5%, and tomatoes saw a 73% increase over the same period.
Seasonings have also seen significant hikes. Wiri-wiri pepper jumped from $190 to $400 per pound, while hot pepper increased from $280 to $400 per pound.
Fruit prices have followed a similar trend. Cayenne banana doubled from $200 to $400 per pound, and apple banana rose from $110 to $260 per pound. Watermelon prices increased by 93%, and pineapples went from $330 to $600 each. The price of oranges, however, remained steady at $100 each.
Ground provisions, a staple in many local dishes, have also seen steep increases. Eddo rose from $90 to $200 per pound, sweet potato doubled from $100 to $200 per pound, cassava increased by 77%, and plantain climbed from $110 to $180 per pound.
While the government has announced measures aimed at easing food price pressures, such as distributing fertilizer to farmers, these efforts have not led to lower market prices. As a result, there have been growing calls for increased monitoring and regulation of food prices to help manage the rising cost of living.
Source: News Source
