Basic food items up 75% in past four years

Last Updated on Friday, 4 July 2025, 22:04 by Writer

The average price of food items has increased by over 75% in the past four years, according to records kept by the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

Comparing its weekly price list for the period of May 2021 to May 2025 for items purchased at Stabroek Market, among the sharpest increases have been the basic forms of nutrition for the poorest Guyanese.

For example eddo (per lb) has risen from $90.00 to $200 (122.22%), cassava (per lb) from $90.00 to $160.00 (77.8%) and plantain (per lb) from $110.00 to $180.00 (63.64%).

Pak choy (rt) has increased from $47.50 per bundle to $100 an increase of 110.53%. Cucumber (each) was $29.00 and is now $80.00 (175.86%) and pumpkin (lb) was $72.50 and is now $120.00 (65.52%).

Most fruits have doubled in price with apples going from $110 per lb to $260.00 or 136.36% increase.

Local chicken, the main source of protein, has gone from $320.00 per lb in May 2021 to $560.00 in May 2025 or 75% increase.