THE REMOVAL of the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) has yet to have an impact on supermarket prices, and Minister of Commerce Dwight Sutherland is blaming this on a hike in freighting and import costs, as well as NSRL-free local produce.
He addressed the cost of food yesterday following a visit to Massy Stores SuperCentre Warrens, St Michael, where he met with Massy Stores Barbados chief executive officer Randall Banfield and other senior officials.
“We as a Government cannot sit down and actually put prices on goods. We can only urge the suppliers and producers to do their best to help us build out this economy and provide more options for consumers,” the minister said.
“So whereas we would want [suppliers] to price their goods in a way that would attract Mr Banfield and the other supermarket owners, they too have to make a profit. But we would want them to absorb some of the cost,” he added. (AD)
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