Tomatoes and Irish potato prices have gone up in most markets across the Kigali city, a mini-survey by Business Times indicates.

Tomatoes now cost Rwf1,000 per kilogramme in Nyarugenge and Nyabugogo markets, up from Rwf800 two weeks ago, while Irish potatoes went up marginally to Rwf350 from Rwf325. Irish potatoes go for Rwf320 in Nyabugogo market, from Rwf300. 

Isabella Munezero, a vendor at Nyarugenge market, attributed the increase to the ongoing dry season in traditional vegetable producing districts in Eastern Province.

"The rise in prices of some foodstuffs will to continue for two or so months until the rainy season in September or October when we expect vegetable and fruit supplies to increase,” Munezero said.

The prices of the two commodities were, however, unchanged in city supermarkets. A kilo of Irish potatoes costs Rwf850 and Rwf600 in Nakumatt Supermarket and Simba Supermarket, respectively. Tomatoes are at Rwf1,600 a kilogramme in Nakumatt Supermarket, but go for Rwf1,100 in Simba Supermarket. A kilo of tomatoes goes for Rwf1,100 in Simba Supermarket, while that of Irish potatoes are at Rwf600. Sugar rose by Rwf50 to Rwf750 a kilo, from Rwf700 per kilogramme.

Meanwhile, carrots cost Rwf600 a kilo, red onions are at Rwf700 per kilogramnme and a kilo of groundnuts costs Rwf1,000 in Nyarugenge and Nyabugogo markets.

Carrots cost Rwf1,100 per kilo in Nakumatt Supermarket, while that of red onions is at Rwf1,800, and white onions go for Rwf2,600 per kilo. Mangos cost Rwf2,500 a kilo, while paw paws cost Rwf1,000 each. 

Oranges cost Rwf2,900 a kilo, passion fruits are at Rwf1,700 a kilo, while beef goes for Rwf2,500 per kilogramme, while cabbages (big size) go for Rwf600 each in most city markets.