Rice prices increase by 9pc
A trader waits for customers at Buguruni market, Dar es Salaam. PHOTO |FILE
What you need to know:
- Ministry of Industries, Investment and Trade data have shown that rice prices have increased by an average of nine per cent in the country in a period of four months. Stakeholders say the decrease in supply as many regions are experiencing an end of harvest period was a reason.
Dar es Salaam. Wholesale rice prices increased by an average of nine per cent in four months as supplies have decreased.
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment data show that a 100-kilo bag of rice was sold at between Sh143,304.3 and Sh175,217.4 last week, compared with Sh131,500 and Sh163,500 on July 27, 2018.
The Citizen survey in the city has also established that retail prices ranged from Sh1,600 to Sh2,200, compared with Sh1,500 and Sh2,000 during the same period.
Wholesalers attributed price increases to supply cut as the harvest season has ended.
Temeke National Food Reserve Agency managing director Peter Kato said the supply decrease caused a price rise. “Wholesale prices from rice-growing areas have slightly increased as the supply has declined.”
He used to receive up to 150 bags a day, but the number has fallen to around 130 bags.
The ministry data also show Lindi had the highest rice price while Rukwa had the lowest price.
Wholesale prices of a 100-kilo bag of rice range from Sh200,00 to Sh220,000 while in Rukwa they were Sh100,000-Sh150,000.
