Food prices

Food prices

Despite the government's assurance of adequate stocks of basic
commodities, prices in the shops continue to rise. It is unclear
who is profiteering from the situation, but what is clear is that
the poorest level of society will suffer the most.

I would like to suggest that the main distributors,
supermarkets or chain stores set a good example by pegging the
prices of basic commodities such as rice, oil, sugar, kerosene,
soybean curd and soybean cake, preferably at 1997 levels.

Would it be such an unpalatable idea for supermarket giants
and chain stores to participate in a philanthropic effort to help
the needy? They would still profit from sales of other goods but
these basic life essentials should be treated as loss leaders.
The goodwill generated by such a public relations effort would be
inestimable -- some things you cannot put a price on.

Name and address

known to the edito