Edward Selasini
11 August 2007
Arusha — Prices of basic foodstuffs including cooking oil have shot up drastically in Arusha many of the traders pointing an accusing finger at the recent increase in petrol, diesel and other petroleum products.
The rise in fuel and consumer goods prices is attributed to adjustments made in the national budget announced last month.
A survey carried out by this reporter has shown that the prices of maize, beans and rice in the major markets of Kilombero and the central market have gone by at least 20 per cent and some as high as almost 50 percent.
.A businessman who chose anonymity at the Kilombero market said rice from Mbeya originally sold at Tsh.80,000 is now sold at Tsh.100,000 per sack of 100kg due to the rise in haulage charges. He explained that with the new hiked wholesale prices he had no choice but to increase the retail prices as well.
The Magugu rice variety, whose transportation charges would be lower considering the short distance, has gone up from Tsh.70,000 to Tsh.90,000 per sack of 100kg
An eighteen litres container of sunflower cooking oil from Singida is now sold at Tsh.36,000 from the old price of Tsh.28,000.
Sunflower oil is commonly used in frying and cooking in homes, restaurants and "mama ntilie". As a result of the hike, food even the most basic sold along streets and at workplaces, has gone up by almost 20 percent.
Mama Ntilie, Salma Omari, of Ilkiurei near Mianzini area said she had adjusted food plate prices upward in order to cover up the costs incurred in the purchase of foodstuffs and their preparation.
Mr. Justine Kimario of Kaloleni is worried that his food business is bound to suffer with new price lists as there has not been corresponding rise in his customers purchasing power.
Walter Maeda, the chairman of Arusha Petrol Stations and Fuel Transport told this reporter that peasants would now suffer even more as they have to spend money equivalent to three bags of maize to plough an acre of land in the wake of the new petrol and diesel prices. Earlier this year, two bags of maize would be enough to plough an acre.
In most pump stations petrol is now sold at about Tsh. 1, 550 per litre a sharp rise from about Tsh 1,250 early this year. Diesel is now sold at Tsh 1450.
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