Cuiabá basic food basket prices rise due to potato and tomato shortages

The cost of the basic food basket in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, rose by 3.45% in the second week of September, reaching an average of R$ 889.00. This represents a weekly increase of R$ 29.66.

According to the Fecomércio Mato Grosso Research and Analysis Institute (IPF-MT), the price hike is driven largely by fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Potato prices surged by 36.25% to R$ 7.56/kg, while tomato prices increased by 22.83% to R$ 11.07/kg.

Analysts attribute these increases to adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy rains in production regions, which have hindered harvests and restricted supply. On an annual basis, the cost of the basic food basket has risen by 13.29% compared to the same period last year.