Why are commodity prices high?

Dear Editor,I am particularly disturbed by the high commodity prices on the market, yet fuel  costs have dropped.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dear Editor,
I am particularly disturbed by the high commodity prices on the market, yet fuel  costs have dropped.

We all know that fuel prices affect commodity costs on the market in one way or another.

Why is it that when the fuel prices come down, prices of commodities remain up?

Take an example of transport fares for Kigali town service. Some taxis charge Rwf200 or even Rwf250 in the evenings, as if fuel is more expensive at this time.

These fares have remained at that same charge even now when fuel prices have gone down by about Rfw200.

Travelling upcountry is equally a problem because fares don’t reflect the oil price reduction. A trip to Huye used to cost Rwf1,400 but hiked to Rwf2,000.

This charge still stands even with reduced fuel costs. Food prices on the other hand leave shoppers wondering whether they will have enough for the next day.

Landlords also talk about fuel prices as a determinant of rent increase as they claim that everything on the market has increased in price.

It’s unfortunate that all this happens when government workers’ salaries are not revised to correspond with this "fuel price increase” era.

The ministries concerned should look into this matter and come to our rescue because we are being over stretched financially.
Thank you.

KACYIRU