Harare (New Ziana) – The government on Tuesday increased the price of subsidised maize meal to ZWL$70 from ZWL$50 per 10 kg with immediate effect.

Late last year, the government introduced a subsidy on roller meal to cushion citizens from the increasing cost of the commodity.

Supply of the commodity on the market has remained constrained as effects of last year’s drought take hold.

To offset supply challenges, the government has started importing grain with private players also complementing it.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said the old price had created undesirable arbitrage opportunities for unscrupulous players resulting in market and supply distortions.

“In view of the above, I am pleased to announce that government has reviewed upwards the subsidised price from ZWL$50 to ZWL$70 per 10 kg bag of roller meal against the prevailing market price of the product,” read part of the statement.

“Implementation of the new subsidy price is with immediate effect. Government will announce a strengthened targeting system in due course such that deserving citizens as intended by the subsidy policy benefit.”

New Ziana