Basic Needs Basket for October drops by K38

The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection ,Basic Needs Basket for a family of five living in Lusaka for the month of October 2018 recorded a reduction by K38 from K5, 356.36 recorded in September to K5, 317.95.

The JCTR, however, states that the October BNB did not keep pace with the national inflation because the price reduction recorded in selected items outweighed the price increases in other items.

In statement, the centre notes significant decreases in the prices of Kapenta from K188 in September to K170 in October per kilogram, with Beans decreasing from K34 in September to K29 kwacha in October per kilogram while the price of tea bags decreased from K84 in September to K80 in October per kilogram.

Other commodities include Dry bream fish which has however increased from K131 in September to K136 in October per Kilogram.

The JCTR has also noted that bus and taxi fares increased by 22 percent across the board, mealie meal prices increased from K73 to K79 and Bread has increased from K7.00 to K8.00 due to increased fuel pump price on the market.

Meanwhile JCTR says despite the cost of living reduction in the month of October, it still remains high and above the incomes of many Zambians who continue to struggle to access basic needs of life.