Food prices continue upward trend

Prices of most foodstuffs have continued to rise in all City of Kigali markets. A kilogramme of mango costs between Rwf1,500 and Rwf2,000 in Kimironko and other city markets, up from about Rwf1,200 (Kimironko) and Rwf1,500 (Kigali market) last week. Onions and tomatoes go for Rwf700 per kilo each compared to Rwf500 last week, while a kilogramme of carrots and egg plants costs Rwf400 each. Cabbage (small size) is between Rwf300 and Rwf400 in Kicukiro, Kimironko and Nyarugenge markets. Etienne Bihibindi, a vendor in Kimironko Market, attributed the increases to low supply, especially for some of the vegetables imported from Tanzania. “We don’t produce enough tomatoes in Rwanda, so we depend on Tanzanian suppliers. But there has been a breakdown in the supply chain, which local dealers have taken advantage of to increase prices,” he said. Francine Niyonagira, a vegetables dealer in Kimironko Market, blamed the price hike on the high cost of transport from the different parts of the country. “Transporters charge Rwf2,500 per sack of produce and Rwf500 for bunch of bananas. So, we have no choice but increase the prices of some commodities to make profits,” she said. She added that the problem has been compounded by the dry season. Fresh fish go for Rwf2,700 a kilogramme up from Rwf2,500 on Saturday, beef costs between Rwf2,000 and Rwf2,300 a kilo, and a whole chicken is about Rwf3,000. A kilo of goat meat costs Rwf2,300 and rabbit meat Rwf2,500. However, prices of some commodities were stable compared to last week. A kilo of rice is between Rwf700 and Rwf1,000, depending on the type, sugar goes for Rwf800, dry beans are at Rwf400, while fresh ones cost Rwf500 a kilo, cassava and sweet potatoes are at Rwf200. A bar of soap costs Rwf500, while a litre of milk is at Rwf400. A kilo of salt is at Rwf250 and cooking oil costs Rwf1,500 a litre.

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Food prices continue upward trend