Mango prices go up

Mango prices have doubled in markets and most supermarkets around City of Kigali, causing concern among consumers.

Friday, September 13, 2013
Low imports have led to a sharp increase in mango prices in Kigali. The New Times / Peterson Tumwebaze

Mango prices have doubled in markets and most supermarkets around City of Kigali, causing concern among consumers.Mango farm gate prices also increased from Rwf1,000 to Rwf2,000 per kilogramme. A kilo of mangoes costs Rwf2,500 in Kimironko, Remera, and Nyamirambo markets from Rwf1,500 and goes for Rwf3,000 in Nyarugenge. In supermarkets, a kilogramme of mangoes costs between Rwf4,000 and Rwf4,500 up from Rwf1,500 a few weeks ago. A kilo of mangoes contains two to four mangoes.Annette Uwizeyimana, a mango importer, blamed the increase on low supply, saying mango imports have reduced drastically in the past few weeks. "We import most of the mangoes from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC, but supplies have been low lately,” Uwizeyimana noted.The price of beans has also increased from Rwf500 to Rwf600 a kilo in all major markets. A kilogramme of passion fruits costs Rwf1,200, oranges cost Rwf2,000 and a kilo of apples goes for Rwf2,400. A kilo of wheat costs Rwf800, sim sim is at Rwf3,000 a kilogramme, while that of fresh peas goes for Rwf1,500.Beef costs Rwf2,300, millet flour Rwf1,200 per kilogramme, bread costs between Rwf1,000 and Rwf1,200, depending on brand and size. Sugar is unchanged at Rwf800 in most shops and markets.