(Dar es Salaam) – A surge in market prices for essential goods, including food and clothing, has been observed across major Tanzanian cities as the festive season approaches. This trend has placed a strain on consumers while providing an opportunity for some businesses to increase profits.
As Tanzania prepares for Christmas and New Year celebrations, market surveys conducted in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza, and Kilimanjaro reveal a significant rise in prices. In Dar es Salaam, the price of garlic has more than doubled, escalating from TSh 7,000 to TSh 17,000 per kilogram. Potatoes have also seen a considerable increase, with a small serving now costing TSh 6,000, up from TSh 3,500. Rice prices, however, remain relatively stable, ranging from TSh 1,600 to TSh 2,500 per kilogram depending on quality.
Traders at Mbezi Market in Dar es Salaam acknowledge that the festive season presents a lucrative opportunity. They justify the price hikes as a means to compensate for slower business periods expected in January. This sentiment is echoed across other markets in Ilala, Buguruni, and Kariakoo, where prices for onions, tomatoes, and pilau spices have also risen. For instance, a kilogram of onions now sells for TSh 1,500, up from TSh 1,200, while a serving of tomatoes has increased from TSh 2,500 to TSh 4,500.
Traders attribute the rising tomato prices to supply challenges from farms. The unpredictable nature of tomato prices has prompted some customers to purchase and store them in advance. Potato prices have also seen an upward trend, with a sack now costing between TSh 90,000 and TSh 100,000, up from TSh 70,000 to TSh 80,000. Meat prices range between TSh 11,000 and TSh 12,000 per kilogram, while the price of layer chickens has increased from TSh 14,000 to TSh 16,000 each, and broiler chickens from TSh 6,500 to TSh 7,000. The price of spices has also risen, with a packet now costing TSh 5,000, up from TSh 3,000.
Clothing prices have also experienced significant increases. A child’s outfit can now cost up to TSh 65,000 or more, depending on the quality. Items previously priced at TSh 40,000 to TSh 45,000 now sell for up to TSh 60,000, while cheaper items have increased from TSh 15,000 to between TSh 25,000 and TSh 30,000.
Consumers express concern about the impact of these price increases on their festive season budgets. Some are reconsidering their spending plans and opting for cheaper alternatives, such as second-hand clothing.
Similar price increases have been observed in Kilimanjaro, where rice, tomatoes, and onions have seen significant price hikes. In Mbeya, banana prices have risen, with a bunch now costing between TSh 6,000 and TSh 7,000 for wholesale and between TSh 13,000 and TSh 15,000 for retail. Clothing traders in Mbeya attribute price differences to varying import costs and logistical challenges. In Mwanza, some consumers are turning to street vendors offering discounted prices on clothing and shoes. The price of rice ranges from TSh 1,600 to TSh 2,300 per kilogram, meat costs TSh 10,000, and a single tomato sells for TSh 100. Traders in Mwanza attribute the rise in tomato prices to ongoing rains.
| Product | Previous Price (TSh) | Current Price (TSh) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic (kg) | 7,000 | 17,000 | Dar es Salaam |
| Potatoes (small) | 3,500 | 6,000 | Dar es Salaam |
| Onions (kg) | 1,200 | 1,500 | Dar es Salaam |
| Tomatoes (serving) | 2,500 | 4,500 | Dar es Salaam |
| Rice (kg) | 1,600-2,500 | 1,600-2,500 | Various |
| Layer Chicken | 14,000 | 16,000 | Dar es Salaam |
| Broiler Chicken | 6,500 | 7,000 | Dar es Salaam |
| Spices (packet) | 3,000 | 5,000 | Dar es Salaam |
| Bananas (bunch-Wholesale) | 5,000 | 6,000-7,000 | Mbeya |
| Bananas (bunch-Retail) | – | 13,000-15,000 | Mbeya |
| Rice (kg) | – | 1,600-2,300 | Mwanza |
| Meat (kg) | – | 10,000 | Mwanza |
| Tomato (each) | – | 100 | Mwanza |
| Rice (kg) | 3,000 | 3,500-3,800 | Kilimanjaro |
| Tomato (serving) | 3,000 | 5,000 | Kilimanjaro |
| Onions (kg) | 3,500 | 6,000-7,000 | Kilimanjaro |
