A. M. 
The Defensoría del Consumidor (DC) has carried out more than 45,000 price inspections so far in 2024, in order to ensure fair prices for basic food products in El Salvador. These inspections are carried out on an ongoing basis in markets nationwide, with a focus on essential foods such as fruits, vegetables, basic grains, dairy products and other key products for salvadoran families.
One of the factors that has contributed to the reduction in the prices of the basic food basket is the continuous monitoring of the Defensoría del Consumidor. The institution maintains strict vigilance in markets and points of sale to avoid unjustified price increases and prevent speculation. When unjustified increases are detected, a sanctioning process is activated which may result in fines of up to 500 minimum wages.
To date, the Defensoría del Consumidor has issued 90 sanction resolutions against violators. This monitoring is not only limited to prices, but also includes the supervision of compliance with the tax exemption applied to more than 110 products of the basic food basket, in order to alleviate the impact of inflation on consumers.
Price control is not only focused on importers, but also on producers and the entire distribution chain, from wholesalers to retailers. In this way, the Defensoría del Consumidor ensures that fair prices are respected at all levels of food marketing.
With these actions, the salvadoran government seeks to protect the purchasing power of the population in the face of the global inflation affecting other countries in the region. Through these efforts, the economic impact on households is mitigated, especially those with lesser resources.
