Price Hike and Affordability

I had a chance to speak to some Addis Ababans on the current market situation. The grain and other commodity price-hike are putting families not to afford basic needs or feed their family. Economists tell us if the supply is more than the demand price should fall. But in our situation when there is production boost the price is sky rocketing.

 I would like to urge the government to immediately address this issue. I have been listening to PM’s interview on this issue, he indicated plan A failed to deliver the desired out come so there was plan B to be implemented. Plan B should include importing grain or even to the extent of bringing reserve grain to the market at a reasonable price.

 If farmers are hogging the produce waiting for further price hike, I don’t think farmers have favourable conditions to store their grain and keep the consumable quality for long time due to storage pests and other elements.

Economically stretched and psychologically stressed community will not be able or is not expected to celebrate the millennium or help for the success of the occasion. When unemployment is staggering high and affordability of food is hard it is a fertile ground for urban crime and dissatisfaction. Having said that I am sure the concerned authorities are looking into the solution, but time is against us. The sooner we address the issue the better we keep the community intact.

 Waiting eagerly to here a positive relief news from authorities in charge.

 Senait, 03/19/07