Unguja. Tumbe Representative Mmanga Mohammed Hamed has questioned the reasons behind the sharp rise in commodity prices, which has increased the cost of living for citizens, as the government explained the measures it is taking to address the situation.
In his question in the House of Representatives on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Representative sought to know the causes of the price increases and the government’s plans to reduce the cost of essential commodities, including rice, sugar and wheat flour.
Responding to the first part of the question, The acting minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, said the price increases were partly caused by a significant rise in shipping costs for goods imported from China and India.
"Those costs have risen from $3,600 (Sh9.52 million) to $4,600 (Sh12.17 million) for a 20-foot container," said Minister Shariff.
He said the increase was linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which had prompted many shipping companies to suspend voyages because of security concerns.
Regarding measures to reduce costs and tariffs, the Minister said the government had introduced several fiscal measures to provide relief to consumers.
He said the government had reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports of sugar, rice and wheat flour from 25 percent to six percent.
He said a permanent customs duty of $200 had been imposed on every tonne of rice and wheat flour to ensure consumers could access the commodities at affordable prices.
Due to the high cost of importing goods directly to Pemba, the Minister said the government had introduced a 30 percent customs duty discount for goods entering through Mkoani Port.
The Tumbe Representative also wanted to know when citizens would be able to overcome the difficult situation.
The government responded that it would continue monitoring global economic developments and introduce emergency and long-term measures as conditions evolved.
"The main goal of the government is to ensure its citizens get expenditure relief and reduce the cost of living through these tax measures and market price monitoring," said Minister Shariff.
