Mining conflict sends price of tomatoes, and potatoes  rocketing

The most important agricultural products supply center in the country already reflects the symptoms and consequences of the closures of the main avenues, after the approval of the conflictive mining contract, sanctioned by President Cortizo.

On the afternoon of  Monday, October 23, in Merca Panamá the price of tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and lettuce had skyrocketed.

The president of the Merca Panama Merchants Association, Yoris Morales, revealed to La Prensa that a pound of wholesale broccoli was selling for $0.60 cents and rose to $1.00; At the same time, the pound of tomatoes rose from $0.50 cents to $1.50.

The same thing happened with the pound of potatoes, whose wholesale price varied from $0.28 to $0.40 per pound. In the case of lettuce, the change was from $0.45 to $1.25 per pound.

Prices increased due to the fact that on, Tuesday, October 24, the usual arrival of trucks and containers from Tierras Altas, Chiriquí, or the province of Darién is not expected. If the situation does not normalize, perishable products will become scarce.

“We already know that several trucks will not take the risk of loading merchandise because they will not be able to deliver as a result of the closures in Chiriquí, Veraguas, Panama Oeste, or via Centenario,” Morales said.

This Monday, about 35 containers arrived normally to supply the Merca Panama gondolas. Retailers, restaurants, and hotels were supplied. But there were no buyers who are usually supplied individually on Mondays, due to the closure of the roads.

Morales indicated that Merca Panama has inventory for two or three days in the case of legumes and about six days for vegetables.

“Tuesday’s supply will be key to measuring the temperature of prices and product availability. “It’s going to be a tough time,” should the supply chain break down, he said.