Dar Es Salaam — TRADERS in various parts of the country have started hoarding food in order to sell the items at higher prices during the Holy month of Ramadhan.

Prices of various fodstuffs are expected to go up during the Holy month that starts during the second week of August. Hajat Suleiman, a businesswoman at Kisutu market in Dar es Salaam, said on Thursday most traders used the opportunity of the fasting month to hike prices at the expense of the Muslim community.

"It is shame that some of the traders who hike prices are also Muslims" she said. She called upon the government to monitor developments in prices of staples and intervene whenever necessary. Sheikh Abdullah Mponela from Mwananyamala said high food prices during the period poses a burden for low-income people struggling to afford the special foods traditionally used for breaking the fast.