According to the lead story in Diario Libre, the cost of the basic groceries for the average family has risen by as much as 30 percent. Some items have increased by 17 percent and others by as much as 83 percent. The average increase of the 10 most essential items between November 2002 and yesterday was estimated to have been 36 percent. Reporters from Diario Libre investigated supermarkets and colmados in most of the sectors of Santo Domingo and the National District to survey the prices of the most fundamental foods. Their research showed that the price of onions was up 83 percent, potatoes had risen by 60 percent, and eggs by 40 percent. The price of tomato paste, rice and salami increased by 22 percent, 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Cooking oil was up 46 percent, from RD$65.00 for the 128-ounce can to RD$95.00. The research conducted by the staff of Diario Libre conflicts with the official Consumer Price Index published by the Central Bank. According to the Central Bank, the CPI for the year 2002 was 10.51 percent.
