The head of the Consumer Protection Office explained that the measures taken by the government have contributed to the fact that food products have not suffered as strong an increase as in other countries.
The measures against inflation promoted by the Salvadoran government continue to have positive effects on the national economy. According to data from the Consumer Protection Office (DC), El Salvador maintains the second lowest food inflation rate in Central America thanks to the efforts made in the last six months.
The president of the DC, Ricardo Salazar, indicated that for El Salvador the variation in food prices is 14.2%. However, the outlook for other countries in the region is painted with greater increases.
Costa Rica has an inflation rate in the food sector of 21.1%, Nicaragua registers an increase of 18.3% and Honduras of 16.5%. Only Guatemala has managed to keep its inflation at 12.7%.
The official pointed out that the difference between Guatemala and El Salvador is minimal. This, taking into account that the former has higher volumes of production of basic grains, which allows its products not to reflect so many increases.
However, in terms of product inflation in general, El Salvador maintains the lowest rate (7.4%), while many of the other Central American nations exceed 10%.
“If all these measures and surveillance work had not been done in the country, many of the products would have risen to prices never seen before. We would be in a permanent price escalation, “said Salazar.
Among the measures approved by the administration of President Nayib Bukele and that have positively influenced food prices is the fixing of fuels, which has been extended until October. In addition, the elimination of import tariffs has meant relief for producers and distributors.
Verifications
The work of the Ombudsman has focused on price control through verifications in the production chain. This is how, after six months of validity of the measures, the institution reports 122,000 inspections at the national level, of which 83,400 are on the subject of food; 34,400 in gas stations and points of sale of liquefied gas, and more than 4,100 in supplies. agricultural.
According to Salazar, during these inspections they have been able to verify that products such as beans have lowered their prices considerably.
“In 2014 and 2016, beans were more than $140 per quintal. Now the maximum price is $85. In addition, there is a noticeable decrease, as it is being sold for up to $75”, he stated.
On the other hand, the head of the DC pointed out that so far this year, more than 74,600 consumers have been served. Likewise, he explained that the recovery amount exceeds $7.7 million in favor of 8,400 consumers.