Festive season arrives amid soaring food prices

The Citizen conducted a random market survey this week in Dar es Salaam, to examine the rising prices of essential goods.

Among the most notable price increase is that of beef, which has significantly increased to between Sh11,000 and Sh12,000 per kilogramme, up from the maximum of Sh9,000 per kilo in the last two weeks.

Other products such as potatoes have seen an increase from Sh4,000 for each five-litre bucket, popularly known as sado, to Sh7,000 in Buguruni market, while wheat flour has risen from Sh9,000 for a 5kg pack to Sh11,000 in Tegeta area.

Garlic prices at Buguruni have also surged dramatically, now costing Sh17,000 per kilo compared to the previous price of Sh7,000, according to vendors.

The cost of sweet potatoes has also risen, with a sado now priced at Sh6,000, up from Sh3,500. Rice, however, remains relatively affordable, costing between Sh1,600 and Sh2,500 per kilo, depending on the quality.

However, sugar prices have remained stable at between Sh2,800 and Sh3,000 per kilo, while maize flour is priced between Sh12,000 and Sh14,000 per kilo.

A food vendor at Kawe Market, Maria Isa, confirmed that rising prices are forcing vendors to increase their retail prices as well.

“For instance, sunflower oil, which was originally sold at Sh35,000 for five litres, is now priced at Sh45,000. Similarly, wheat flour and potatoes have seen price increases, with wheat flour now priced at Sh11,000 per 5kg and potatoes at Sh6,000 per sado,” she said.

A butcher from Tegeta Nyuki Market, Mr Ismail Juma, noted that the price of beef began increasing two weeks ago.

A vendor at Mabibo market, Mr Patrick Mwafulango, emphasised that potato prices have increased significantly, and might rise in the coming days due to the overwhelming demand of customers buying the products.

“We usually sell a sado of potatoes at Sh3,500 to Sh4,000, but we are selling at Sh6,000 though the price could further increase depending on the demand of the goods,” he said.

A sweet potato vendor from Mbezi Market, Mr John Joseph, explained that the price increases are typical during the festive season, although prices usually drop in January.

The price increases are also evident in markets such as Ilala and Kariakoo. Traders noted that prices began rising last week, just days before Christmas.

At Ilala and Buguruni markets, the price of onions has increased to Sh1,500 per kilo, up from Sh1,200, while a four-litre container of tomatoes now costs Sh4,500, up from Sh2,500.

A tomato vendor at Buguruni Market, Ms Susan Mwiro, said that tomato prices are highly volatile, especially during the festive season.

“Every year, prices go up during the holidays. Yesterday (Monday), we bought a crate for Sh40,000, and today the price increased again. Customers need to be prepared for price changes,” she said.

A vendor at Ilala Market, Mr Ashraf Islam, also observed that the price of a crate of tomatoes has been fluctuating daily, with prices rising sharply as Christmas approaches.

Sweet potato vendor at Buguruni Market, Mr Mohamed Abdallah, said that the price of sweet potatoes has increased dramatically, with a sack now priced between Sh90,000 and Sh100,000, up from Sh70,000 and Sh80,000.

The price of eggs has risen to Sh16,000 per dozen, up from Sh14,000 last week. The price of broiler chicken has also increased from Sh6,500 to Sh7,000 in Ilala.

A chicken vendor in Ilala, Mr Ally Bwelo, warned that prices might continue to rise during the holiday season.

Similar increases were also noted in clothes but vendors said it is normal, especially for children clothes, during festive season.