Most foodstuff prices have gone up across the City of Kigali and in the Northern and Southern provinces as people stock food ahead of the Christmas nad New Year holidays. A kilo of Irish potatoes goes for between Rwf180 and Rwf200in Rwabuye, Huye, Nyamirambo, Kimironko, Remera and Gikondo markets, up from Rwf130 from last week.It is at between RwfRwf75 and Rwf130 in Bisate, Gahunga, Gakenke, Base, Kinigi, Musanze, Byangabo and Rubavu markets from an average of Rwf60.A kilo of peas shot up to between Rwf700 and Rwf1,000 from Rwf500 at the beginning of last week in Kicukiro, Kimironko, Gikondo and Remera markets. But it dropped to Rwf300 in Gakenke, Mukamira and Base markets, from Rwf500 last week. Traders and suppliers have attributed the increase to the festive season, saying many people want to stock food for the holidays.“There was a good harvest last season, but people are buying more food to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. That’s why the prices are going up across the country,” said Innocent Mugisha, a food supplier in Remera market.Marie Rose Dusabimana, a trader in Rwabuye market, said if the demand continues at the present rate, the prices could almost double by the New Year.A kilo of passion fruits costs Rwf1800, up from Rwf1500 weeks ago in Nyarugenge, Nyabugogo and Nyamirambo markets.However, tomatoes are down at Rw300 a kilo from Rwf600 and carrots Rwf700, while medium-size cabbage is at between 500 and Rwf600 in most of Kigali markets.A kilo of bananas is at between Rwf280 and Rwf300 in Rugando, Nyabugogo and Kimironko, up from Rwf250 last week.
