Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:02:02 +0000
By ALFRED TEMBO
THE fuel hike may force price hikes of commodities and services as the move has a direct effect on the cost of production and transportation, an economist has said.
According to Herryman Moono, recent fuel hikes by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) would force acute prices across the board as the move had a direct impact on the cost of production and transportation of commodities in the country.
In an interview with the Daily Nation yesterday, Mr. Moono said Zambia will experience a wave of inevitable price hikes, adding that this may also affect what is given to the social cash transfer beneficiaries.
“Recent fuel price hikes are going to affect a rise in food prices, cost of living, transport and accommodation among other basic requirements,” said Mr. Moono
Mr. Moono added: “now this means the government has to provide social cash transfer services that are in line with the social and economic changes.
“Basically inflation indexed social cash transfer allocation cannot be avoided or else majority of vulnerable people on the service will be left behind in the fight to end poverty,” said Mr. Moono.
At the recent Patriotic Front Interactive Forum, Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare, Emerine Kabanshi said the government was eager to restore the dignity of vulnerable people in society through the Social Cash Transfer programme.
