QCOSTARICA – The Ministerio de Hacienda (Treasury) will create a new basic food basket (canasta básica), which would cause a decrease in the price of the products included.
The new basket is subject to consultation by the General Directorate of Finance. Among the changes will include cleaning products, hygiene and personal items, in addition, it will take into account the three quintiles with the lowest income.
The included products will pay a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 1%, while for those excluded the 13% tax.
Rudolf Lucke, Director General of the Treasury, said that the modifications seek to cover a broader sector of the population. On the other hand, he estimated that the decrease in product prices would occur in three months.
Lucke explained that the methodology to establish the new basic food basket is being submitted to consultation by the population for a period of ten days.
President Rodrigo Chaves promised in his electoral campaign to modify the current basket to one of consumption and nutrition.
