MOST retail shop shelves that are normally stocked with washing soap and cooking oil are empty, heralding what looks set to become a serious shortage of basic commodities in Harare. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries warned early this month that there would be food shortages in Zimbabwe following the gazetting of price control regulations on specified basic commodities. A survey in Harare yesterday revealed that products whose prices are now controlled such as cooking oil, washing soap and salt were out of stock, with shelves empty in most supermarkets. – The Daily News
Thursday October 25, 2001