Holiday Spending Upsurge Triggers Price Increases December 31, 2020 PRICES of some basic goods have significantly increased since the start of the festive season as retailers took advantage of increased holiday spending, a new Government survey shows. The Department of Policy Research and Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce did a survey of price movements and availability in Harare and Midlands provinces of the 16 monitored commodities including maize-meal, sugar, cooking oil and washing soaps, which revealed an increase in prices for selected goods. Despite an increase in prices of selected products, commodities were generally available, the survey noted. While the surveyed outlets are formal, a snap survey by The Herald Finance & Business showed that prices at informal outlets, commonly known as tuck shops that predominantly charge in US dollars, were generally stable.