Potato prices rise in Peru

The price of potatoes in Huancayo has increased significantly in recent days, directly affecting the economy of local households. In markets such as El Tambo, a kilo of Yungas potatoes was sold for between 2.80 and 3.00 soles, which caused concern among consumers. Sandra Quispe, a housewife, expressed her displeasure at the price increase. “When basic necessities go up, it is a problem, because there is not enough money anymore, the price of potatoes has gone up too much,” she said. This feeling is shared by many in the region, where potatoes are a staple food in the daily diet. The merchants in the region attribute this increase to the seasonal shortage of the tuber, a situation that is repeated every year at this time. César De La Cruz, a merchant at the wholesale market exmaltería, explained that the reduction in the supply of potatoes caused an inexorable rise in prices. “At this time of year, potatoes are scarce, so much so that the income from the tuber to markets such as ...