Irish potatoes at Rwf250 a kilo

Prices of most foodstuffs have shoot up following an increase in farmgate prices around the country. A mini-survey conducted by Business Times shows that while a kilogramme of Irish potatoes costs Rwf220 in the Eastern and Western provinces, it has increased to Rwf250 in all the major markets in City of Kigali. Millet flour has also inched up from Rwf1,220 to Rwf1,240 per kilogramme in Kimironko and Nyarugenge markets and maize flour is now at Rwf670 a kilo in Nyamirambo and Nyabugogo markets. Prices for most vegetables have also increased by Rwf100. While a kilogramme of tomatoes costs about Rwf600 in Musanze and Rubavu districts, it goes for Rwf700 in markets around Kigali. Ratifa Niyonsaba, an Irish potatoes trader in Musanze District, recently told The New Times that the increase was due to scarcity resulting from a prolonged drought the country is currently experiencing. “Due to low rainfall this season, the harvest wasn’t good,” she said. Elsewhere, Groundnuts are stable at Rwf1, 200 per kilo and fresh peas go for Rwf1, 250 a kilogramme in Kimironko market.A kilogramme of sugar is at between Rwf700 and Rwf800 in Kimironko and Nyarugenge markets; beef is stable at Rwf2,000 and a kilo of fresh fish is at Rwf2,000. A five-litre jerry can of cooking oil costs Rwf6,000. Banana prices have declined from Rwf180 to Rwf150 a kilogramme due to a bump harvest, according to traders.