The supply of bananas in Argentina has become a problem given the current problems that the producing countries of the continent are facing. 70% of the bananas consumed in the country come from Ecuador. However, the boats with the cargo were unable to leave the country due to the social conflicts caused by increased fuel prices in Ecuador. Then, when they managed to reach Chile, the trucks were stranded at the border in the middle of the social unrest in that country.
Bolivia also supplies bananas to Argentina (20% of the total), but the electoral results generated intense protests, so they did not arrive either. At the moment, the only bananas that are entering the country are the ones produced in Paraguay (which account for 5% of the total). Argentina's local production is concentrated in the northern provinces and also accounts for 5% of the total.
Given this situation, the price of bananas has increased by 50% in the last ten days. The 20 kilos box costs 1,500 pesos and in the greengrocers, the kilo is sold for 100 to 120 pesos. All this is the result of the low supply, which is dollarized, and of Argentina's own inflation.
According to Javier de los Rios, an importer of bananas, there are seven to eight trucks full of bananas stuck at the border. He also said that he ignored in what conditions the fruit would arrive in the country after the conflict is resolved. Furthermore, he said, transporters are running out of fuel for cold equipment. "At this rate, we will not have any bananas," he lamented. "We'll be running out of stock until the problems there are in the countries of the continent are solved." He added that he was worried, as he only has enough stock to cover the demand until next Tuesday.
Source: eldoce.tv
