Dominican Republic sees sharp rise in food and transport prices

Former president Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic warned that the cost of basic foods such as rice, chicken, eggs, meat and plantains has risen sharply, forcing many families, including middle‑class households, to cut meals from three to two per day. He questioned the government’s claim that hunger has been eliminated and noted that the administration had pledged to lower prices of dozens of essentials during its first 100 days, a promise he says was not kept.

Economist Winston Marte explained that recent increases in public‑transport fares of three to five pesos per trip add up to about 900 pesos a month for low‑income commuters, equivalent to several days of food. He said higher fuel costs and a lack of price‑setting transparency exacerbate the burden, leading to debt, stress and fueling protests. The government had announced a three‑month freeze on major fuel prices.