SANTO DOMINGO, DR. – The executive director of the National Institute of Consumer Rights Protection (Pro Consumidor), Eddy Alcántara, said that plantain, green plantains, and other agricultural products have experienced substantial reductions in recent days.
He stated that according to a survey conducted by Pro Consumidor in different markets to find the real price of these high-consumption items for the Dominican population, it is confirmed that they are beginning to stabilize in favor of consumers.
He stated that the verification of prices survey was conducted on Wednesday, images, and videos of which have been sent to different media outlets for verification, along with the press release.
He also said that the survey was conducted at the New Market on Duarte Avenue, as well as at the Villa Consuelo market, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, and other towns.
According to him, the large barahonero banana that was previously sold in markets for up to 35 pesos wholesale, is now significantly cheaper by 50%.
Also, the medium plantain which cost around RD$25.00 wholesale, has also been reduced by the same proportion.
He added that the large criollo banana has a price of 15 pesos wholesale and 17 pesos retail, while the medium one is sold between 7 and 9 pesos wholesale, according to the report.
He said that, according to the price monitoring, the large Fiah plantain is sold in the markets at RD$6.50 wholesale and RD$8.50 retail, while the medium one of this variety is sold at RD$3.00 wholesale and 5.00 pesos retail.
Regarding green plantain and other agricultural products, the majority have had a noticeable reduction in favor of consumers.
“The reduction in the price of bananas, plantains, and other products confirms what we had predicted, that the trend was that the prices of these items so important for the basic family basket would stabilize by the end of this month of January, as has happened, with the fluctuation being downwards,” he highlighted.
The head of Pro Consumidor asked the population to continue following the institution’s price monitoring, while indicating that other agricultural products have also experienced a decrease in the markets, including garlic, onions, potatoes, and others.
Finally, he announced that the institution will be conducting price verification operations of bananas and plantains in grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouses in the coming days to prevent speculation to the detriment of consumers.
