Basic food basket reaches R$673 in Petrolina with soaring tomato prices

Compared to September, the value of the basket rose 9.24%. In the last 12 months, the increase recorded in Petrolina was 12.22%.

This general increase was driven mainly by tomatoes, which became 80.3% more expensive in the city. The Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese) explains that the mild climate delayed the ripening of the fruit. Furthermore, the rains reduced the supply of the product on the market, which caused the price to skyrocket.

Beef also became more expensive, rising 2.1%. The reason is the off-season, a period in which there is a smaller supply of cattle for slaughter.

On the other hand, powdered coffee became 4.2% cheaper. The drop reflects the reduction in the international price of grain and the expectation of a larger global harvest. Beans were another item that saw a drop in price. According to the research, this occurred because consumers started to buy less of the product, which was already expensive, forcing retailers to lower prices.