Food prices up on high transport charges

Prices for a number commodities have gone up across city markets. Fresh peas now go for Rwf1,700 per kilogramme compared to the Rwf1,500 two weeks ago, while cassava is at Rwf300 per kilo, up from Rwf250.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015
City residents will have to part with more cash to enjoy a dish of mashed or fried banana following prices increases. (Appolonia Uwanziga)

Prices for a number commodities have gone up across city markets. Fresh peas now go for Rwf1,700 per kilogramme compared to the Rwf1,500 two weeks ago, while cassava is at Rwf300 per kilo, up from Rwf250.

Francine Nyinawumuntu, vendor in Nyarugenge market, said fresh beans go for Rwf400 a kilo compared to Rwf380 previously. A medium-sized pineapple was up Rwf150 from Rwf500 two weeks ago to Rwf650, while beef was at Rwf3,000 per kilogramme in Simba Supermarket, up from Rwf2,700. It cost Rwf2,600 in Kimironko and  Nyabugogo markets.

Traders attributed the increase to high transport costs, largely driven by the increment in fuel prices a few weeks ago. Both diesel and petrol cost Rwf935 per litre.

A big mango costs Rwf400, while three mangoes cost Rwf1,000 in Kimironko market, and passion fruits are at Rwf1,200 per kilo. They cost Rwf1,700 in Simba Supermarket and oranges go for Rwf1,400 per kilo at Glory Supermarket. Bread was unchanged in different supermarkets in the city at between Rwf1,000 and Rwf1,500, depending on the brand, size, location or type, and milk was at between Rwf400 and Rwf600 per litre.

Meanwhile, Irish potato prices declined marginally to Rwf150 a kilo, down from Rwf170 two weeks ago, while cassava flour shed Rwf50 to Rwf250 per kilogramme, from Rwf300.