ECONOMIST WARNS HOUSEHOLD INCOMES ARE FALLING BEHIND RISING LIVING COSTS

Article By: Staff Writer Economist Tshephang Lesole says household incomes in Botswana are bearing the strain of the rising cost of living, as inflation outpaces wage growth and forces consumers to cut spending.

In an exclusive interview with Gabz FM News, Lesole said that although inflation eased to 9.4% in July from 10.7% in June, households are still losing purchasing power because salary increases have failed to keep pace with rising prices, leaving families with less money to cover everyday expenses.

Lesole pointed to paraffin, which rose by more than P10 a litre in March, saying the increase hits rural households particularly hard because many depend on it for cooking and lighting.