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Zimbabwe’s Food Datum Line Rises 6% in January Amid Surging Inflation

Zimbabwe’s Food Datum Line (FDL) for a single person increased by 6% to ZiG861.14 in January 2025, up from ZiG805.95 in December 2024, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).

The FDL represents the minimum amount an individual needs to afford a daily energy intake of 2,100 calories.

During the same period, the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL), which measures the minimum income required to avoid being classified as poor, rose to ZiG1,255.78 in January from ZiG1,156.67 in December.

“The FDL for one person in January 2025 was ZiG861.14, reflecting the minimum needs basket cost per person that month,” ZimStat said. “The TCPL, which includes both food and non-food items, stood at ZiG1,255.78 per person.”

Economic analysts attributed the rise in the FDL to surging food prices and broader inflationary pressures.

Consumer prices climbed sharply in January, driven by food and non-alcoholic beverage costs. Monthly inflation soared to 10.5%, a steep increase from December’s 3.7%, ZimStat reported. The US dollar Consumer Price Index also jumped 11.5% in January, compared to a modest 0.6% rise in December.

The surge in living costs is straining household budgets, with analysts warning that continued inflation could further widen the gap between incomes and essential living expenses.