Rumors surrounding new price increases of powdered and liquid milk
have upset the local markets. Milk farmers denied rumors that milk
prices will soar to RD$100 pesos per liter (from the present
RD$30-40). According to spokespersons from the sector, local producers
are capable of supplying demand through increased production, if the
conditions established by the law are observed.
Customs (DGA) director general Miguel Cocco warned reporters that poor
children would not have access to milk if the current prices were held
for a long time. According to the Listin Diario, Cocco said that the
government would find a solution to the problem. According to the
paper, international prices for milk have increased 60% over the past
few months, and the president of the National Federation of Retail
Commodity Merchants, Jose Matos did not discredit rumors that the
price of the large tin of powdered milk could reach the RD$1,000 mark
by year’s end, up from RD$600 at present.
According to spokespersons from the Association of Milk Producers said
that some unfair trade practices had introduced out-dated cheeses into
the local market, to the detriment on local producers. According to
Marcelino Vargas of Aproleche, local production is sold at low prices.