MAJOR supermarkets in Bulawayo have run out of mealie-meal and by yesterday only a few retail outlets had the commodity on the shelves.

A snap survey conducted in the city’s Central Business District revealed that major supermarkets did not have mealie-meal. Most shops in the western surbubs had also run out of mealie-meal.

At OK Zimbabwe Jason Moyo branch, which also did not have the mealie-meal on its shelves, the price was pegged at $36,50 for 10kg roller meal. TM Pick n Pay,Choppies and Food 4 less along Herbert Chitepo Steet, all did not have the commodity.

At Greens Supermarket which had the mealie-meal, a 10kg bag of roller meal was selling for between $43,70 and $48 depending on the brand.
Last week the prices were ranging from $25 to $30 for the same bag.

Consumers who spoke to Business
Chronicle said the shortage started last week. They said they suspected some retailers were hoarding the commodity to create artificial shortages which will then trigger astronomical price increases.State media