The prices of bananas and Irish potatoes have gone up in Kayonza District, Eastern Province. Bananas now cost Rwf250 per kilogramme from Rwf200, while Irish potatoes went up by Rwf30 to Rwf280 compared to Rwf250 a week ago.

Faustin Rugumaho, a vendor in Kabarondo market, atributted the increase to the current dry spell the country is experiencing.

"Food and commodity prices have been going up for the past three weeks, and the trend is expected to continue in coming months until after the onset of the rainy season,” Rugumaho said.

Meanwhile, the prices of other foodstuffs is unchanged and sweet potatoes go for Rwf300 a kilo, fresh cassava roots is selling at Rwf300 per kilogramme, and beans are selling at Rwf350 per kilogramme in Kabarondo market.

Fresh peas are going for Rwf800 per kilogramme in Kayonza market, and rice ranges from Rwf750 to Rwf850 per kilo in most shops in Kayonza town.

Milk costs between Rwf300 and Rwf450 per litre in different trading centres in Kayonza district, while bread (weighing 1kg) ranges from Rwf900 to Rwf2,000, depending on the brand, size and type or whether one buys the bread from a supermarket or ordinary shops.

A five-litre jerry can of cooking vegetable oil is at Rwf6,300, and a bar of soap goes for Rwf500.