HIGH prices of goods at the Gizo Market in the Western Province are affecting consumers who are grappling to cope with the effect of this inflation on their budget and their daily diet.
The market is widely known for its wide variety of fresh root crops and vegetables and abundant fish supply.
The high prices are not a new thing but they have a greater negative impact on some residents of the Western Provincial capital as they struggle to cope with the situation to ensure a healthy diet.
The Gizo Market Manger, Moffat Maeta, told Solomon Star that the prices at the market far exceed the prices seen in the markets in other major centres in the country, including Honiara.
Mr Maeta said several factors, including fierce competition amongst market vendors, surging fuel prices, and the overall increase in the cost of goods, contribute to the high prices at the market.
He said but the prices of the fresh remain since the same in the past years.
“Prices of cucumbers, melons, other fruits, vegetables and root crops here are expensive compared to those at Honiara Market and other major markets in the country,’’ he said.
Consumers have expressed growing concerns over the escalating prices of vegetables and root crops, which place a significant burden on their budgets.
They said the cost disparity between Gizo and Honiara in particular has raised eyebrows, leaving many wondering about the underlying causes and potential solutions.
“One of the primary drivers of the price surge is the intense competition amongst market vendors in Gizo.
“The limited number of vendors and the high demand for fresh produce in the area has created an environment where sellers can inflate prices without fear of losing customers.
“The lack of effective price regulation and oversight has further exacerbated the issue, leading to an imbalance in supply and demand dynamics,” A fisherman from Gizo, Lackstone Lenny said.
Mr Lenny added that another contributing factor to the high market goods prices is the surge in fuel prices, which significantly impact transportation costs for farmers to their goods to the market.
“Rising fuel expenses directly affect the final prices of vegetables and root crops, making them more expensive for consumers.
“Furthermore, the general increase in the cost of goods, including farming supplies and labour, has played a role in driving up the prices of agricultural produce.
“Factors such as inflation and changes in the overall economy have added additional pressure on vendors who are forced to pass on these higher costs to consumers,’’ he added.
The rising prices have created a challenging situation for local residents, particularly those with limited finances.
Many individuals and families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford fresh vegetables and root crops which are essential for a healthy diet.
However, many Gizo residents are not affected by the high market prices as they plant vegetables and crops in their own backyards and also on government land through permission of the Provincial Agriculture Division.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
