Cibitoke: general increase in basic necessities

Consumers of Brarudi products (Brewery and lemonade of Burundi) complain the spike in drink prices. Food prices have also been revised upwards. Residents ask the government to control prices. The governor warns about sanctions against any speculation. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The province of Cibitoke (north-west of Burundi), at all levels, is experiencing a vertiginous outbreak of the prices of all products.

The recent decision revising upwards the price of drinks from the Brasserie et limonaderie du Burundi such as the Amstel and the Royale caused a surge. The two drinks generally experienced a price increase of more than 25%, rising respectively from 1,900 and 2,000 Burundian francs to 2,500 and 2,600 (official price). The two beers globally sell for more than 3,000 Burundian francs per bottle.

Same situation for other drinks such as Bock, Primus. They experienced a price increase ranging between 300 and 800 Burundian francs per bottle. The lemonade went from 800 francs to 1000 Burundian francs.

Following this price increase, some residents have indicated that most of them do not have the financial means to obtain Brarudi products and relay on other prohibited drinks.

“We are deprived of the best quality beers from Brarudi”, laments an Amstel fan contacted in the capital of the province of Cibitoke.

According to residents of several municipalities, the price increase does not exclude all speculation. Impacts that are not less negligible have been noted, particularly on most food products.

The price of beans and rice has increased significantly from 1,800 and 2,400 to 2,200 and 3,800 Burundian francs per kilo respectively.

The vertiginous rise in the prices of foodstuffs and Brarudi products worries the poor population.
The situation seems to be further complicated with the rise in the price of cement – Buceco (Burundi Cement Company) which is produced locally in Cibitoke.

The 50 kg bag recently went from 24,500 to 28,500 Burundian francs, but you have to pay at least 37,000 Burundian francs to get one.

Residents are asking the government to let imported goods into the country to meet the shortage of almost all basic necessities.

Contacted in this regard, the governor of Cibitoke confirms this situation of both shortage and general increase in the prices of essential products.

This authority warns speculative traders and threatens them with severe penalties. He invites the population to denounce any case of speculation.