Cost of living in Lusaka increase by over K400

The cost of living for a family of 5 as measured by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for the month of December 2022 in Lusaka stood at K8,982.82, showing a K415.62 increase from the K8567.2 recorded in November, 2022.

The upward movement in the basket is attributed to increased prices in food items such as 4kg onion which went up by K67.26 from K50.3 (K12.61/ kg) to K117.69 (K29.42/kg), 2kg chicken which went up by K49.99 from K222.50 (K89.00/2kg) to K272.49 (108.99/2kg) and 2 bags of 25kg Mealie Meal (Roller) which went up by K41.51 from K203.49 (K101.74/25kg) to K245 (K122.50/25 kg).

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Manager Muchimba Siamachoka says the upward movement in the basket is attributed to increased prices in food items such as onion, chicken and mealie meal.

Siamachoka says the basket also noted a significant increase in the non-food items section specifically with 2 bags of 90kg of charcoal which went up by K330 from k750 to k1080.

She however notes that the basket recorded notable decreases in food items such as beans and tomato among others.

Siamachoka says the JCTR is therefore concerned that load shedding will have a negative impact on the most vulnerable people in the country, especially given the high cost of living.