Minister Warns On Rumoured Mealie Meal Shortages

Reports of mealie meal shortages across the country have prompted panic buying and increased prices in some areas.

The reports follow last year’s drought, during which 2.3 million people were affected according to the Minister in the Office of the Vice President Olipa Phiri.

Reacting to reports of shortages, the Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) has warned against panic buying, stating that there is enough maize to last until the next harvest. MAZ President Andrew Chintala accused some traders of exploiting the current situation in order to charge higher prices.

Agriculture minister Michael Katambo has also stated that there are sufficient stocks available. He has maintained that the retail price is still K135 to K137 for a 25kg bag of breakfast meal, as is printed on the bags. However, reports circulating online suggest prices are as high as K230 in Kabwe.

The minister has warned those looking to exploit current rumours of shortages by charging a price higher than that printed on the bag will be apprehended.

According to a report by News Diggers, Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba has alleged that some local milling companies, which are subsidised by the government, are selling the commodity outside the province. Chomba has warned of measures, including the impounding of vehicles taking mealie meal out of the province and the closing of shops found to be inflating prices.

Earlier this week the government called on millers under the tripartite agreement to release more mealie meal on to the market in order to increase supply and reduce the pressure on prices.

The news comes as Zambia recorded an annual inflation rate of 13.9% in February 2020. The figure was a further increase on the rate of 12.5% in January 2020, and 11.7% in December, and is the highest rate in almost three years.

The rate of year-on-year food inflation stands at a staggering 15.9%, meaning on average the price of food is 15.9% more expensive than it was in February 2019.

In 2019 inflation started at 7.9% but rose following increased food prices as a result of drought and a poor maize harvest. The current rate is double the Bank of Zambia’s target of between 6 and 8%.