Prices of some foodstuff have soared in most markets around Kigali, while prices of others like Matooke is still stable, according to a mini-survey carried out by Business Times. The survey indicate that prices of some food items like Irish Potatoes, vegetables and commodities most especially sugar have gone up by over 30 percent. Some traders spoken to said that the hike in prices is attributed to the increase in transport fares caused by the increase in fuel prices. Others said the prevailing dry season is responsible for rotting of food. According to the survey, prices of Irish potatoes have increased to Rwf180 per kilogramme from Rwf130. However a kilogramme of Matooke has decreased to Rwf80 per kilogramme as compared to Rwf120. Prices on commodities like sugar have increased in the past few weeks from Rwf750 per kilogramme to Rwf1,000. Prices on beans have also gone up from Rwf500 to Rwf700. The survey carried out within different markets of Kigali suburbs including Kimironko, Nyabugogo and in the outskirts also indicates that a kilogramme of green paper is selling at Rwf600 from Rwf400. Onions are selling at Rwf700 per kilogramme from Rwf400. French beans and carrots are selling at Rwf400 per kilogramme as compared to the previous Rwf300 and the surge is mostly attributed to the continued dry season. Prices of other items like beef, tomatoes, fish, and peas remain the same. Fuel factorLast month, pump prices for both petrol and diesel increased on the local market from Rwf918 to Rwf940 per litre, the highest the country has ever experienced. The hike in prices which according to the government was as due to mounting pressure from a volatile global oil market, led to both the hike in commuter and commodity transporting fares. Traders warn that any further increase in pump prices could affect market prices. Ends
