Business Reporter
BREAD prices have skyrocketed to a high of US$1, 50 exposing many Zimbabweans to a very high cost of living.
A brief survey conducted by The Humanitarian Post Wednesday shows that at Bakers Inn a loaf of bread is being sold for US$1,15 but effectively the outlets are demanding US$1 plus ZW$1 800 which is almost equivalent US$1,50.
In smaller informal retail outlets like tuck-shops, a loaf of bread is being sold at US$1,20 with several members of the public who spoke to this publication said they have now resorted to consuming alternatives like rice and flour for breakfast.
Businesses are rounding off their prices to the nearest whole figure, and some are increasing their prices by a dollar, which exceeds the 15 percent VAT. They cite difficulties in providing change since some are exclusively charging their commodities in United States dollars. To address the change issue, some retailers are now giving vouchers which customers can use later in that store.
These price increases on bread and other goods are a result of the taxes outlined in the National Budget. It has caused challenges for both businesses and consumers, as the cost of living continues to rise.
