Sugar prices have declined to between Rwf600 and Rwf700 from an average of Rwf850 in the City of Kigali. A kilogramme of sugar cost between Rwf600 and Rwf700 in Rugando, Kimironko, Remera and Nyarugenge markets yesterday, down from Rwf800 and Rwf900.

 This follows the recent decision by East African Community to extend further Rwanda’s duty free exemptions to allow the country to import more sugar from outside the region duty free. According to trade ministry officials, the exemption will last six months. The move will allow the country to fill the sugar deficit which currently stands at about 50,000 tonnes of sugar as Rwanda’s sole sugar maker Kabuye Sugar Factory produces 11,000 tonnes out of the 70,000 tonnes needed.

However, prices of other commodities were stable. A kilogramme of rice is Rwf900 and Rwf700 in Nyarugenge and Nyamirambo markets, respectively, and beef goes for Rwf2,300 a kilo in Remera and Giporoso. Maize flour costs Rwf600, groundnut paste was at Rwf1,200 a kilo and that of millet flour at Rwf1,200 in Kimironko market. Milk is Rwf400 and fresh peas go for Rwf1,500 per kilo.