Subsidised Roller Meal Price Shoots Up Again
The imminent increase in the price of mealie-meal comes at a time when there is a serious shortage of the product, amid promises that more grain is headed for Bulawayo.
Government is set to increase the price of subsidised roller meal following last week’s review of the maize producer price from $4 000 to $6 958 per tonne.
This will be the second increase in the price of the subsidised mealie-meal after Government reviewed the price of a 10kg bag to $70 from $50 last month. The subsidised roller meal shortages have seen unscrupulous individuals hoarding stocks that they are selling on the black market at exorbitant prices.
Reporters observed that subsidised mealie-meal was being sold on the black market for up to $100 in cash and any other payment methods were not being accepted. In an interview, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi said the mealie-meal shortage was just temporary as Government would soon announce a new price.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe media and public relations manager Mr Garikai Chaunza said millers will meet on Thursday over the new prices. “After the Thursday’s meeting, we will issue a statement,” said Mr Chaunza.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry yesterday said more grain is headed to Zimbabwe as the country seeks to address the drought situation. In a statement posted on its Twitter account, the Ministry said so far 153 trucks have been dispatched with grain from Beira to Harare, leaving a balance of 179 trucks.
