Bubanza: food prices continue to rise

The prices of food products are increasing overnight in Bubanza province (western Burundi). Consumers are complaining about these prices that continue to rise and are asking the administrative authorities to get involved in regulating these prices. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to residents of Bubanza, it is regrettable to see an increase of 300 francs on average each week for the kilogram of a food product purchased.

“A kilogram of rice costs 4,000 francs today, the cheapest bean costs 2,800 francs. A bunch of bananas costs between 15,000 and 27,000, depending on the size, while a 72cl bottle of palm oil costs 4,000 Burundian francs. A bag of charcoal costs between 30,000 and 40,000 francs. A kg of corn costs 2,000 francs,” laments a resident met in the regional capital of Bubanza.

“We did not expect such an increase in prices during a harvest season,” complains another woman in her thirties.

Traders speculate by building up stocks to sell them at a higher price. “We have nowhere to get supplies, we have to go to Bujumbura (economic capital) for that. The price of the transport ticket has increased significantly, which has a direct impact on the price of products”, regrets a seller.

The consequences on the life of the population are enormous.

According to our sources, eating 3 times a day has become almost impossible.

The inhabitants ask the administration to protect consumers against the harmful effects of this fluctuation in the prices of basic necessities.

A food market in northwestern Burundi, September 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)