Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-02-23 11:59:54
An on-site survey shows a wide gap between prices in the retail circuit and those in the Wholesale Market
Jayen Chellum calls for a boycott of supermarkets with exorbitant prices
The selling prices of vegetables in the market are not always justified. This is the finding of the Association des Consommateurs de l’île Maurice (ACIM), which conducted a survey at the Wholesale Market in Wooton, as well as at fairs, markets, and supermarkets. Jayen Chellum, the secretary, denounces abuse in certain cases, especially by large supermarkets. He calls for a boycott and asks the government to control prices.
How can a vegetable sold for Rs 35 for 500g at Wooton be priced at Rs 195 in a supermarket? This is the question posed by Jayen Chellum, who, with a team from ACIM, conducted a survey of vegetable prices at various selling points. “We went to the source, to Wooton, and compared prices at different selling points. For example, the zucchini that was selling for Rs 35 for half a kilo in Wooton was being sold for Rs 195.95 at Winners in Candos,” he denounces.
Jayen Chellum laments an exaggeration in prices, not only in supermarkets but also in some markets. “We were able to see that the market in Curepipe is one of the most expensive in the country. On the other hand, the fair in Rose-Belle offers the most affordable prices,” he adds. He thus urges consumers to take the time to think before buying and to boycott when prices are too high. “It has become a habit now to buy vegetables in supermarkets for practical reasons. But supermarkets sell at very high prices. They take advantage of this situation,” he says.
Furthermore, the consumer advocate draws a parallel with the period of the Covid-19 pandemic when all prices skyrocketed. “ACIM had demanded control, and the government had eventually applied a subsidy formula to certain products. Unfortunately, afterwards, the maximum mark-up was adopted and all prices skyrocketed again. The dholl puri, whose price had increased because that was the case for oil, still sells for Rs 20 despite the fact that the price of oil has decreased,” he explains.
Jayen Chellum thus calls on the government to control the prices of subsidized imported vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, beans, and chili, among others. “Minister Seeruttun announced that there will be a subsidy on imported vegetables, and it is important to ensure that these vegetables are not subsequently sold two to three times more expensive, especially in large supermarkets,” he advises.
The ACIM secretary adds that while he understands that supermarkets have certain costs to cover, he asserts that they should not exaggerate. “The farmers who have to sell their vegetables in Wooton come from all over the island. They also have to pay for fuel for that, while a supermarket’s delivery is assured,” he concedes.
Speaking about the Wholesale Market, Jayen Chellum believes that this centralized system is advantageous for large farmers. “Small farmers will not pay the costs of traveling to come and sell their vegetables in Wooton. They prefer to sell in the fairs of their respective regions or in supermarkets.” Moreover, the centralized system leaves no room for competition. “Previously, for example, we knew that the Wholesale Market in Flacq offered more affordable prices than that of Port-Louis or Vacoas,” he points out.
The ACIM believes that farmers should not abuse prices at the base. “It is true that there was a cyclone and floods, but not all regions were affected in the same way. In addition, many crops are also grown in greenhouses nowadays,” he points out. Jayen Chellum also raises concern about prices in the category of sustainable agriculture. “The prices are much higher than for traditional agriculture. Yet, pesticides are not used, for example. So, there are fewer expenses.”
Regarding on-the-ground price control, he believes that it is not the role of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Dorine Chukowry, to visit markets. “That’s the role of inspectors. She just has to ask them to do their job. Her role is to come up with policies to improve the lives of consumers.”
Jayen Chellum also states that in some fairs and markets, prices are not displayed. He asks consumers not to buy from merchants who adopt this practice. He reminds that the right to information is fundamental.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
