Fall in basic food basket index disputed

The basic food basket (CBA) registered a slight decrease of $ 1.86 in March, compared to the same period of 2009, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).

However, the results are questioned by consumers and representatives of this sector, since current food prices remain high.

Pedro Acosta, of the National Union of Consumers and Users of the Republic of Panama (UNCUREPA) noted that these results are not consistent with  reality in the country. He said: "It’s necessary that the authorities implement new marketing policies, while Panamanians buy at the cheapest places and increase their saving habits"

According to the MEF, in March the CBA totaled $271.39, which compared to the amount of $273.25 of the same month last year it is not much of a difference.

Meat and legumes are among the foods that show increases in prices from February to March this year. The prices of fruits, fats and eggs fell during the same period.