The price of tomatoes has dropped by Rwf200 to Rwf800 per kilogramme in Nyarugenge and Nyabugogo markets, down from Rwf1,200 a kilo two weeks ago, a mini-market survey by The New Times indicates. The price of dry beans reduced marginally to Rwf600 in Nyarugenge market, from Rwf650 over the period.

However, there was a surge prices for mandolin oranges that went up to Rwf1,300, from Rwf800, in most markets. But ordinary oranges are stable at between Rwf8,00 and Rwf1,000 per kilo. Lemons now cost Rwf200 more, at Rwf1,000, a kilo in Nyarugenge Market, an increase from Rwf800 a fortnight ago. The price of carrots went up slightly to Rwf700 per kilo.

Adams Nsengumuremyi, a vendor in Nyarugenge Market, attributed the increase to low supplies from the key producing areas across the country due to the dry season. Nsengumuremyi said mandolin oranges are imported from Tanzania, which could also be facing shortages in supplies.

Prices of most items were, however, stable. Passion fruits cost Rwf1,400 per kilo, mangoes go for Rwf8,00 a kilo, while pineapples range from Rwf500 to Rwf800 each, depending on size. A kilogramme of tree tomatoes goes for Rwf1,200 in most city markets, and it is at Rwf1,900 in Nakumatt Supermarket. Milk costs between Rwf400 and Rwf500 per litre in different parts of the city.

Fresh beans are at Rwf800 per kilogramme, while fresh peas cost Rwf1,200 a  kilogramme, with a bunch of bananas (plantains) ranging from Rwf6,000 to Rwf8,000, depending on size. Ground nut paste costs Rwf1,300 a kilo, the price of cabbages ranges from Rwf400 to Rwf500 each, while a cluster of yellow banana is between Rwf500 and Rwf1,500 in most markets, depending on size.