The other measure is to expedite the authorization to suppliers for the importation of food products, which have already been approved in different countries of the world, which facilitates the entry and expands the food supply.

In addition, this measure will prevent shortages and will allow consumers to purchase these products at a lower cost. All these measures will go to the plenary session of next sunday, march 13 for their possible approval.

Likewise, in a morning interview the director of the Centro para la Defensa del Consumidor (CDC), Danilo Pérez said that the economic impact that the country will have will be strong. The basic food basket has increased US$14.19 in 2022.

Perez, points out that according to data from the Dirección General de Estadística y Censos  (DIGESTYC), the cost of the basic food basket for january 2021 was US$199.29 and in this year 2022 it is reaching a value of US$213.43 that is an increase of US$14.19 in the urban area and the rural area has a price of US$15.45.

In addition, the Defensoría del consumidor in coordination with the Ministerio de Economía through the Dirección de Hidrocarburos y Minas, the Ministerio de Agricultura and the Policía Nacional Civil have activated today a wide range of inspections in the food sectors.

Salazar also called on the population to report any signs of speculation to suppliers and commercial establishments of goods and services that unjustifiably increase the prices of food, basic necessities and essential services.

A U.S. media reported that food prices continued to rise last month in the U.S., pushing a key measure of inflation to a level not seen since january 1982.

He added that the consumer price index, which measures a basket of goods and services, stood at 7.9% in the 12-month period ending February, not seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

February prices rose 0.8%, adjusted for seasonal swings, higher than in january. Gasoline prices alone rose 6.6% and contributed to nearly one-third of the overall increase in inflation.

Food prices rose 1% last month, the largest monthly increase since april 2020.