No, the numbers you see are actually the "Index" of the items. If the number is higher than 1000, it means that there is a shortage of that item. A higher number means the shortage is more severe.
Goods are expensive when they are in short supply, so shortages of goods (ie, high prices) produce a "hardship index." Low prices, however, do not provide a similar benefit, so you want your centers to have price indices for goods of around 1000 or less. (These are the numbers which you see when you speak to the guildmaster).
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