Apia, SAMOA — Taro and locally produced vegetables were in short supply causing an increase in prices during the last two months of last year and there is no indication when the local supply will normalize, according to the latest release by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS).

The SBS recorded a drastic 31 per cent drop in the supply of taro locally in November compared to the previous month prompting a rise in prices by seven per cent ($5.41 per kilogram). The retail price for taro was higher at different locations.

The SBS report said the supply of taro also declined by 50 per cent compared to November of 2022.

"The supply of taro to the local markets in November 2023 fell 31 percent to 3,376 kilograms from the previous month, leading to the rise in prices," the report reads.

When compared to November 2022, the current supply of taro declined by 50 percent while its average price rose 53 per cent.

"In the 12 months ending November 2023, supply of taro fell 12 per cent, while its average price increased 26 per cent when compared to the 12 months ending November 2022."

The monthly survey of agricultural food supplies at the local markets brings to light the overall volume which decreased 22 per cent from October 2023.

This reflects the significant decreases in the supply of most agricultural produce at the markets except banana, breadfruit and yam. When compared to November 2022, the current supply decreased by 25 per cent.

"Limited supply of most agricultural produce prompted overall price level to rise 11 per cent from the previous month. When compared with November 2022, the overall price level went up by 32 per cent."