Major supermarkets across the country have run out of fresh milk, a development that was confirmed by the Confederation of Retailers Association of Zimbabwe President Denford Mutashu.
In Bulawayo, only a few retail outlets had imported milk from South Africa on the shelves by yesterday.
Mutashu told State media that the milk shortages are a result of constrained supplies. He said:
I can confirm that there is a shortage of milk across the country and this is due to constrained supply issues that we strongly believe the suppliers are working on.
A manager at one of the supermarkets in Bulawayo who preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity said the shortage of milk is worrisome. He said:
The shortage is worrisome for us retailers. For me, it’s been two weeks now since I last received milk consignment especially the 400ml.
The shortage is a big blow to us as it affects our sales besides disappointing customers.
Meanwhile, consumers suspect that some retailers were hoarding the commodity to create artificial shortages with the intention to hike prices.
Mutashu urged milk suppliers to urgently address the problem and desist from unwarranted price increases. He said:
Those who still have the milk should ensure it is distributed to as many outlets as possible so that customers get the milk.
I also urge them to maintain affordable prices and not take advantage of the situation to increase prices.