Namibia: Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseRestrictions Drive Up Meat Prices Across Namibia
[Namibian] Meat prices are rising at some butcheries, while restaurants are increasing prices for meat dishes as the main ingredient due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) restrictions.
Namibia is grappling with rising meat prices due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) restrictions. Last month, the country confirmed an FMD outbreak, leading to restrictions on slaughtering and livestock sales. This scarcity of meat supplies has driven up prices at butcheries and restaurants across the nation.
Charlene Hartung, owner of Benguella Butchery in Swakopmund, reports that meat trimmings are selling for between N$105 and N$140 per kilogramme, excluding VAT. Higher buying prices make it challenging for butcheries to maintain affordable products. Marissa Swart, owner of Otjiwarongo's Franna's Butchery, says her business had to raise prices due to the shortage, as cheaper cuts are now more expensive.
Lesley Losper, owner of LLL Farms in Otavi, says he can't buy livestock due to FMD restrictions, making it difficult to operate his business. Restaurants like Berrylicious and Butcher Block Steakhouse have also raised meat dish prices due to increased supplier costs, but some are choosing to keep menu prices unchanged. Despite these challenges, one Ongwediva-based butchery, Tom & Ndati CC, reports not experiencing meat shortages and has kept prices stable.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
