Price variations of up to 270% detected in produce sales

SANTIAGO.- Price variations of up to 270% were detected by last week’s Ministry of Agriculture survey of fruits and vegetables being sold at open air markets and supermarkets.

The most significant difference was registered in garlic (270%), with a maximum price of $233 pesos per unit in a supermarket located in the eastern part of the capital and a minimum price of $63 pesos per unit at an open air market in the south of the capital.

Meanwhile, Granny Smith green apples reported a 256% price variation with the highest price being registered at a supermarket in eastern Santiago and the lowest price at an open air market in the southern part of the city.

A significant price difference of 216% was also observed among potatoes, with the highest price being found in a supermarket in the eastern sector of the city while the lowest price was recorded at open markets in the western and northern parts of the capital.  Considerable price differences were also seen this week among cauliflower (166%), tomatoes (157%), Fuji apples (154%) and onions (150%).

As in previous weeks, the outdoor markets once again reported lower prices in comparison with supermarkets.  With regards to the various sectors of the city, this week’s prices were more evenly distributed, indicating that the majority of highly priced products were found in the eastern and northern parts of the capital.