Rising food prices strain households and traders in Kinshasa

At Gambela market in Kinshasa’s Kasa-Vubu commune, traders report continued increases in the prices of basic food products. A sack of cassava flour has risen from 220,000 to 420,000 Congolese francs in a year, while 5 kg of sugar rose from 10,000 to 17,550 francs, a 5-litre container of oil from 24,000 to 34,500 francs, and BB rice from 46,400 to 50,570 francs. Sellers say shrinking margins and customers buying smaller quantities are slowing market activity. They are urging authorities to take measures to bring prices down.