As Burundi prepares to usher in the New Year, the price of meat has skyrocketed, doubling or even tripling in several provinces of the country, leaving many consumers struggling to afford this essential item. The steep increase in prices comes at a time when citizens are already grappling with rising costs of basic goods. Consumers call for price regulation on meat, a staple in their holiday celebrations.
In Bubanza western province, for instance, at Musenyi market in Mpanda commune, the price of beef has reached between 28,000 BIF and 30,000 BIF per kilogram, far surpassing the official price of 11,000 BIF. Meanwhile, a kilogram of meat with bones is being sold at 22,000 BIF. This sharp increase has caused significant concern among local consumers.
“Who can afford these prices? We’re facing poverty, and 25,000 BIF per kilogram is only affordable to the rich,” said a fifty year old man met at Musenyi local market.
A young mother from the same province also expressed frustration: “We will consume what we have. Meat is no longer for everyone.”
In Kayanza, in the northern part of the country, the price of meat has also surged, with a kilogram of beef now selling for 30,000 BIF. Consumers in the region indicated that they would celebrate the year-end festivities by opting for other more affordable food items.
“If you can’t afford meat, you’ll have to make do with other foods. Life isn’t just about celebrating ‘good year’,” said a local man from Kayanza.
The price hikes are not limited to beef alone; goat meat and poultry have also seen substantial increases. At the Musenyi market, the price of a chicken, which previously sold for around 25,000 BIF, now costs 80,000 BIF.
Butchers explain that the rising price of meat reflects the escalating cost of live animals, particularly since the government implemented a permanent livestock stabling measure in 2021. “If you buy a goat for 1 million BIF, how can you make a profit without increasing the price per kilogram?” said a butcher.
The surge in meat prices is part of a broader trend observed in the run-up to the holidays, with other products, such as beverages from BRARUDI, also experiencing shortages and price inflation. Consumers have complained about hoarding and price speculation by certain merchants, despite the government’s attempts to regulate prices.
Last week, two trade union coalitions expressed their frustration with the rising cost of living, pointing to the continued erosion of salaries in the face of soaring prices for nearly all basic necessities.
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