BRIEFS. economy
Consumers worried about inflation, security
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| pricey:Rising food prices have prompted calls for government action to protect consumers.1068951 |
The rising cost of living, unemployment and crime are the main problems of the country, according to the national survey of consumer confidence recently published the Cámara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura de Panamá. According to the survey, 26 percent of the respondents listed rising prices as their number one concern in June. In a similar survey in May, 19 percent of those asked identified inflation as their primary concern.
The Autoridad de Protección al Consumidor y Defensa de la Competencia recently announced that it would begin an investigation into rising food prices. But producers say that their costs have been rising, and they have been forced to pass along these extra expenses to consumers.
The cost of the basic basket, or the staple foods that are considered essential for consumers, has increased dramtically in the last few months, creating pressure on the government to address the issue.
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