Food prices go up

[NewsWhore]

The small food stalls that supply many Dominicans with their meals during the day and night are raising their prices. According to Listin Diario, this price increase is directly related to the increase in the cost of basic foodstuffs such as wheat, corn and other grains. Minister of Agriculture Salvador Jimenez, together with the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Melanio Paredes are working to avoid speculation with the prices of the typical food basket. The Agriculture Ministry is opening 875 farmers' markets to try and halt the increasing pressure to raise prices. Minister Jimenez attributed much of the new price increases to political maneuvering by the opposition in an attempt to de-rail President Fernandez's re-election efforts. Despite these efforts, the "dish of the day", as offered by many food stalls is now costing between RD$90 and RD$120 a serving. This same dish cost RD$80 just a few weeks ago. Local vendors interviewed by Listin reporters said that cooking oil and flour are two of the essential items that have gone way up in price. At the Chinese fast food outlets that specialize in fried chicken, the basic five piece serving with plantains that cost RD$90 a month ago is now RD$120. At the major franchise operations, KFC, Victorina or Pollos Rey, a serving of just two chicken pieces now costs between RD$100 and RD$150.

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