Prices of foodstuff in the two biggest markets in Kigali have soared as a result of the rainy season, which has halted harvesting, The Business Times mini survey has revealed. The survey shows that foodstuff prices in Zinia and Kimiroko markets have doubled since the Easter season.   

Some traders The Business Times spoke to said that the heavy rains being experienced across the country, have led to rotting of the perishable commodities, also a result of the delay in the delivery to the marketplace.

The traders said: "This causes commodity scarcity in market places hence high prices.”

According to the survey, prices of Irish potatoes have increased to Rwf230 per kilogramme from Rwf130 at the end of March while a killogramme of Matooke is selling at Rwf130 per kilogramme compared to Rwf120. Other commodities like sugar and beans have also gone up by Rwf100 and Rwf200 respectively.

Vegetables are the ones which have been greatly affected by heavy rains, causing scarcity on the market.

For instance a bowl of French beans increased to Rwf5,000 from Rwf3,500 at the March, onions cost Rwf400 per Kilogramme compared to Rwf300 at the end of March, carrots moved to Rwf2,000 from Rwf1,000 per kilogramme, and green pepper to Rwf4,500 from Rwf2,500 per kilogramme.

The survey also shows that in most centres food prices went up by 0.8 percent since end of March.

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