Commodity Prices Up 10%, Down 1.5%, Consumers Frustrated

Many Mauritians are complaining about the rising cost of living. While prices for everyday products often jump significantly, reductions are usually minimal, causing frustration among consumers who do not feel much relief in their shopping.

In Mauritius, price hikes tend to be sudden and steep—often Rs 10 to Rs 20. In contrast, price drops are barely noticeable, typically only Rs 2 to Rs 5.

This pattern is increasingly irritating shoppers, who frequently share their dissatisfaction on social media.

Since the recent Budget announcement, some examples highlight this disparity.

A two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola, previously sold at Rs 83, now costs Rs 103. The Zero variant has gone from Rs 48 to Rs 56.

Vegetable prices have risen even more sharply, with some increasing by up to Rs 50 per half-kilo within a week. Meanwhile, recent price decreases seem insignificant.

For example:

• Infant milk, which previously cost Rs 285.15, now costs Rs 284.45—a Rs 0.70 drop.
• A small jar of baby puree has dropped from Rs 57 to Rs 50.
• A can of tomatoes now costs Rs 33.90, down from Rs 39.

Consumers express their frustration. Neha, a young mother of two, said, “A Rs 0.70 decrease on infant milk doesn’t help. Baby products are very expensive, and when prices go down, we expect real relief, not just a few rupees.”

Jerôme, an employee at a call center, shared a similar view: “When Coca-Cola prices go up Rs 20, it’s a big jump. But when other items drop by Rs 2 or Rs 3, it feels like they’re mocking us.”

Retiree Rita added, “After the Budget, we hear prices have come down, but when I shop, my receipt doesn’t change.”

Calls for Transparency and Fair Pricing

In response to consumer complaints, advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency in how prices are set. They urge authorities to better oversee announced price reductions.

Jayen Chellum, Secretary-General of the Mauritius Consumer Association (ACIM), pointsed out a clear imbalance: “Prices go up sharply, but when they should go down, the drops are tiny.”

He explained that this issue persists due to lack of price controls and unclear pricing practices.

“If the government wants to set a maximum price, it should first gather information from importers—considering import costs, margins, and expenses—to determine a fair markup.”

However, Chellum warns about potential risks: “If importers submit inflated invoices, the government might base prices on those.

This could enable some to overcharge and make excessive profits.” He calls for thorough investigations into how prices are determined and what factors influence them throughout the supply chain.

Similarly, Claude Canabady of Consumer Eyes’ Protection stressed the importance of understanding why prices increase.

“Price hikes by producers are passed along through importers, distributors, and retailers, each adding a margin, so by the time it reaches consumers, the cost has grown significantly. But price reductions don’t follow the same path,” he noted.

He advocated for a more transparent regulation system:

“We need a clear, fair mechanism to protect consumers, especially those with limited incomes, from being unfairly burdened.”