Azruddin Mohamed calls for food price controls as Guyanese face cost pressures

Guyana opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed is calling for price controls on some basic food items, arguing that the government has not done enough to address the cost-of-living squeeze. At a press conference, he proposed limits at selected supermarkets and other establishments, according to News Source Guyana. Mohamed said prices for essentials are rising and urged major retailers to reduce their markups on items people rely on. He argued that the cost of living should be considered as a whole, including the factors behind higher prices for food and other goods. He also alleged that some government officials are competing with local cattle farmers, which he said could contribute to increased costs. Mohamed pointed to a shortage of US dollars as another pressure, claiming that customers seeking to arrange a US$20,000 bank transfer may have to wait two to three weeks. The opposition leader said Guyana’s oil revenues should leave people better off. He cited daily oil production and government receipts, then contrasted those figures with what he described as households struggling to afford market purchases. Those claims and figures were presented as Mohamed’s remarks at the press conference. Mohamed also called for greater support for farmers and tighter border controls to curb gold smuggling and strengthen public revenue. His proposals, as reported by the outlet, combine demands for direct intervention on essential food prices with broader measures he says could ease financial pressure on Guyanese households.