DAR ES SALAAM: THERE is reportedly a huge increase in prices of common food items in many areas of Dar es Salaam and its environs in the first week of Ramadhan, a situation the traders claim is not solely caused by the high demand.
In their interview with the Daily News, the market leaders in the city claim the rise or fall of food prices depends mainly on the availability of products in the market rather than just increased demand.
They emphasized that the abundance or scarcity of produce largely determines price trends across the city’s various markets.
The chairman of the Temeke Stereo food market in Temeke District, Rashid Milao, said that prices of commodities such as bananas, potatoes, and pumpkins fluctuate according to the production season and the state of transportation from other regions. He noted that when produce is plentiful, prices drop, whereas scarcity drives prices up due to competition among buyers.
Milao explained that at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadhan, the demand for food usually increases as many families prepare iftar and dinner meals daily.
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However, he stressed that prices in the market do not rise solely because of Ramadan, but depend more on the quantity of goods arriving at the market. “Even if demand is high, when products are available in large quantities, prices remain stable. The problem arises when demand rises but the supply entering the market is low,” he said.
He added that in recent weeks, there has been a shortage of some produce, including pumpkins and sweet potatoes, due to delays in harvesting in certain growing areas. However, he expects the situation to improve as more trucks transport these products to the market.
On another note, Milao said consumers of coconuts would not be affected by price changes because the fasting season coincides with a period of abundant coconuts in the market, which are sold starting at 500/- per coconut. Traders said the increase in delivery trucks will boost competition among sellers, helping prices either decrease or stabilize.
Speaking on the situation at the Mabibo market in Ubungo District, Agricultural Officer Pavelina Chitanda said the price of round potatoes has dropped from 130,000/- to 80,000/- per sack in recent days. She added that a bunch of bananas sells between 25,000/- and 50,000/- depending on size and type, while pumpkins are sold wholesale between 80,000/- and 120,000/- per sack due to limited availability.