Local importers of flour, rice and other essential goods are being urged to recalculate their costs and drop prices immediately.

This call comes from the group Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, which has applauded the recent move by Nutrimix to reduce the prices of its flour products.

It says while there were previously factors that would have driven up prices, 2023 has seen a particular reduction in the cost of freight, creating a substantial saving for the import sector.

FFOS believes business organizations and chambers of commerce should speak to their members about their critical role in national development.

It also wants the Trade Minister to immediately re-evaluate the import costs of NFM and other state entities that import and distribute the essentials.

Finally, it is urging all bread, pastry, roti, doubles and other flour-based producers to re-evaluate their prices.