Prices of some essential commodities have increased despite March inflation rate slowing to 3.3 per cent. A survey across major city markets showed that a kilogramme of sugar increased from Rwf700 to Rwf800 in Kimironko Market, while in Kimihurura and Nyabisindu markets, it costs Rwf1,000, up from last week’s Rwf800.
Prices of some essential commodities have increased despite March inflation rate slowing to 3.3 per cent. A survey across major city markets showed that a kilogramme of sugar increased from Rwf700 to Rwf800 in Kimironko Market, while in Kimihurura and Nyabisindu markets, it costs Rwf1,000, up from last week’s Rwf800.A kilogramme of bananas also inched up from Rwf180 last week to Rwf200, with a medium tin of fresh tomatoes at Rwf1,100 from Rwf1,000 in Remera and Gikondo markets.Irish potatoes now cost Rwf220 in Nyabugogo and Nyarugenge markets from Rwf200. Traders, who spoke to Business Times, attributed the price increases to shortages due to the short holidays to commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi last week. "This has caused a shortage of most commodities, thus pushing the prices for some commodities up by Rwf20,” Nice Umurerwa, a trader in Nyarugenge Market, said. Fish costs between Rwf2,000 and Rwf2,500, while Rwf6,000 is needed for a five-litre tin of cooking oil, if you like deep-fried fish.