WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) has announced that there will be no changes to the basic goods basket this year, following the release of the 'Temporary Regulation Basic Goods Basket.' The ministry sets annual limits on the percentage by which wholesalers and supermarkets can increase the cost price to reach the maximum selling price, and this year’s rates remain unchanged.
Several products, including grapes, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage, will continue to fall under a maximum profit margin of 50 percent. Meanwhile, other items such as avocado, pumpkin, carrots, onions, watermelon, oranges, bananas, mangoes, apples, and papayas will have a maximum margin of 30 percent.
The Pisas II cabinet aims to ensure the affordability of essential goods, as highlighted by Governor Lucille George-Wout during the opening of the parliamentary year. To support this goal, the 'Mi Pòtmoni' app will be used to enhance price stability by monitoring and comparing prices among various suppliers. Additionally, the government plans to launch the Basic Goods Basket and Smart Card project in 2025, specifically targeting assistance for low-income individuals.
The basic goods basket has been a topic of ongoing discussion. The Social and Economic Council (SER) has reviewed the policy and found that it is quite broad, benefiting more than just low-income households. The SER has recommended more focused solutions to address the rising cost of living, particularly for the most vulnerable. The MEO's 'Mi Pòtmoni' app will, at the very least, allow consumers to identify which wholesalers and supermarkets offer the most affordable products.