MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA —
Food prices in dollars have become cheaper throughout the year in one of the most important cities in Venezuela, Maracaibo. It is a curious phenomenon in a country in an economic crisis for a decade, with multiple explanations, according to experts consulted.
The Maracaibo Chamber of Commerce monitors the cost of 45 meals for a family of 5 in the city, one of the most populated. In December, when the dollar exchange rate rose suddenly, it cost 514 dollars.
This year, that basic family basket has only lowered its cost in that city in the west of the country: in January, it cost 507 Dollars; $486 in February, $469 in March and April, $462 in May, and $451 in June. In those 6 months, there are 63 fewer dollars.
Products such as milk, cheese and eggs dropped their prices by 3% between May and June, on average, according to these studies. Coffee and tea reduced prices by 6%, as well as fats and oils (-0.3%) and cereals (-0.4%).
