RWAMAGANA – Prices of charcoal and firewood have hiked in most parts of the Eastern Province, with traders warning that more price hikes are expected. 

According to a mini-survey conducted by The New Times in Rwamagana yesterday, a sack of charcoal has risen to Rwf5500 up from Rwf3000. While a bundle of firewood costs Rwf500 up from Rwf 200. 

The Kigabiro sector executive secretary, Valerie Rubibi attributed the increase to a ban on cutting down of trees.
"Alternative sources of fuels have to be sought and developed like biogas, to supplement the biomass sources we have,” he said. 

However, Dativa Kayitesi, a charcoal seller in Rwamagana market said many residents were ignorant of alternative sources of fuels. 

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