Rumonge: the price of food products increasingly on the rise

Residents of the province of Rumonge (South-West of Burundi) warn of a continuous rise in the price of basic food products. In just two months, the price increase varies between 500 and 1,900 Burundian francs, depending on the food. Traders who expected a drop in price following a measure that liberalizes the import of certain products, including maize, believe this is due to the devaluation of the local currency against the Tanzanian shilling, in particular. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to residents of Rumonge, the price of beans and rice has gone up to 1,800 and 3,500 Burundian francs per kilo respectively, compared to 1,400 and 1,600 francs two months ago.
Maize grains, increased by five hundred francs, ranging from 1,400 to 1,900 Burundian francs per kilo.

“[…], even the rice produced locally in Rugombo in the province of Cibitoke (north-west) and Gitega (center) has experienced a price increase of two hundred francs. The apple can be bought up to 1300 Its price was a thousand francs in July. Life has become untenable. We can no longer make ends meet […]”, complain the inhabitants of the capital of Rumonge.

A few days ago, the Burundian government lifted a measure prohibiting the import of food products. Residents were hoping for a slight improvement, but traders indicate that the greatest difficulty is linked to the depreciation of the Burundian currency against the Tanzanian shilling.

“When we calculate the purchase price of products in Tanzania, it is higher than the one we have on the local market. So, if we are going to import these Tanzanian products, understand that the price must also go up”, explain traders.

Residents are calling on the government of Burundi to intervene to help stabilize the price of basic necessities.