The Burundian Consumers’ Association (ABUCO) on Monday called for the immediate implementation of the new food prices recently issued by the Ministry of Trade and Transport. Noël Nkurunziza, chairman of ABUCO, welcomed the decision but urged authorities to ensure strict enforcement. While the initiative aims to curb price speculation and stabilize the market, citizens have raised concerns about the actual application of these price controls, with some arguing that the new rates are not being respected.
The Ministry of Trade and Transport issued the updated price regulations last week, following President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s directive to address soaring inflation within 15 days. However, the decision came after a five-month delay. Burundi has been facing an economic crisis exacerbated by foreign currency and fuel shortages, leading to uncontrolled price hikes on essential goods.
President Ndayishimiye had previously expressed frustration over the persistence of price speculation and the lack of effective solutions. “This issue of individuals setting prices as they wish is unacceptable,” he said during a public broadcast late last year. “We need to regulate prices. This practice must stop because it is troubling.” The president also warned that failure to implement necessary measures would result in changes within the ministry.
The Ministry of Trade’s newly set prices cover a range of essential food products. Locally grown white rice must be sold between 4,000 and 5,000 BIF, down from the previous range of 5,000 to 5,200 BIF. Imported white rice is now capped at 7,000 BIF, with a minimum price of 5,000 BIF, compared to its earlier cost of up to 8,200 BIF. Similarly, dried yellow beans are now priced between 4,500 and 6,000 BIF, while refined maize flour must be sold between 3,000 and 4,000 BIF.
Despite the price adjustments, some citizens remain skeptical. Sellers argue that price variations based on product quality were not adequately considered. “Rice varies in type, especially local rice grown in Burundi. There should be a clear categorization for different types,” a vendor told Breaking Burundi.
ABUCO’s Nkurunziza echoed these concerns, stating that Burundian traders often adopt the highest allowable price and sometimes even exceed it. “Will they comply with the regulation?” he questioned in an interview with local radio station Bonesha FM, urging authorities to enforce the new pricing structure.
Onésime Niyukuri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade and Transport, defended the decision, saying that it was made to prevent excessive profiteering. “These prices are regulated with both a lower and an upper limit to ensure fairness. The goal is to allow flexibility while curbing arbitrary price hikes,” he said during a public conference held by spokespersons for government institutions last week.
However, in the economic capital Bujumbura’s Nyakabiga neighborhood, residents report that the new prices have yet to be implemented. “As long as fuel remains unavailable, things will continue to be difficult. Prices are still fluctuating despite the government’s decision,” a resident said.
Niyukuri emphasized that the pricing framework was developed with input from traders, business owners, and consumers. He also said that the prices are not fixed indefinitely and may change based on market conditions. “If the harvest increases, prices may be adjusted to reflect the new reality,” he stated.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Trade has urged local authorities to enforce the regulations, calling on both traders and consumers to respect the new pricing system. “Everyone must take responsibility—both buyers and sellers—to stabilize the market and prevent chaos,” Niyukuri concluded.
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